Championing Mental Well-Being: CCC's Unrivaled Impact on Las Vegas
According to a 2023 report, Nevada ranks 8th worst in the nation for mental health care access — with nearly two-thirds of people with a mental health issue not receiving care. This staggering statistic and its impact in the rise of homelessness and addiction in the Las Vegas Valley demands our attention and commitment to action.
Growing up in Las Vegas, I faced personal challenges with depression in high school and the lack of resources and accessibility prevented me from receiving support. It wasn’t until leaving Nevada for college that I found the care I needed. It was during this time that my desire for a world where every individual is empowered, supported, and celebrated in their unique journey toward emotional well-being began to form.
Moving back to Las Vegas during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, I've continued to witness the ripple effects of mental health on our community and knew that I wanted to help my hometown by partnering with a local nonprofit that is making a real difference in Las Vegas through accessible mental health care.
The Community Counseling Center of Southern Nevada (CCC) provides counseling, addiction recovery, and intensive outpatient programs to the most needy in our community. Their compassionate care and legacy of breaking down the stigma of mental illness has created a haven where everyone finds solace and accessible support.
Twenty + years ago, discussions around mental health were shrouded in stigma — viewed as a topic for the emotionally weak or the "insane." As societal perceptions have evolved, mental health support has moved from the shadows to the forefront and CCC stands out as one of the few providers in Las Vegas that was there for the community at the beginning. Opened during the 1980’s AIDS/HIV crisis, CCC has been offering support in the Las Vegas area when, and where, it was most needed.
Through decades of experience and contributions to the community, CCC has proven to be a reliable resource for those in need, regardless of the stigma society placed on their patients.
Having had the privilege to witness CCC's positive impact, both through conversations with former patients turned advocates and the dedicated staff, I am honored to serve on the Board of Directors because of their unwavering commitment to the city I love. Every person at CCC, from leadership to reception, exudes empathy and kindness, creating a space where everyone feels heard and supported.
This commitment and passion fuel my desire to guide CCC, ensuring its continued support for the Las Vegas community that has shaped me into the person I am today. It's not just giving back; it's an investment in a community where everyone deserves access to mental health resources to uplift our city and its residents.
By: Caitlin Abejon, CCC Board Member
