May 2024

WELCOME TO BeHERE NV!

The Behavioral Health Education, Retention, and Expansion Network of Nevada (BeHERE NV) is a new workforce development initiative to increase the number of providers of behavioral health care in Nevada. In 2023, the Nevada Legislature unanimously passed Assembly Bill 37 to create a statewide behavioral health workforce development center within the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE). In September 2023, the NSHE Board of Regents designated the University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV) to serve as the administrative hub for BeHERE NV and to build connections across the state.

BeHERE Nevada proudly joins our community in recognizing May as Mental Health Awareness Month. The color green is associated with this awareness campaign and other mental health initiatives. When designing the name and logo for our behavioral health workforce development center, associating green with BeHERE NV was the easiest decision to make! We share the hope that this yearly international awareness campaign will help to reduce stigma related to mental health and mental illness. When I think about the handful of high school career fairs we have been a part of this year, it is my belief that BeHERE NV is playing some small part towards that end by normalizing careers in mental and behavioral health. We are so thankful to Be HERE to shine yet one more light on mental health, mental health care, and the amazing individuals who are called to work in this field.

Roberta Miranda-Alfonso, Ph.D.

Associate Director of Recruitment and Outreach

Biography: Roberta Miranda-Alfonzo, Ph.D., CPC, LCADC-S, NCC, ACS, CPGC-I, serves as the Associate Director of Recruitment and Outreach. She is strongly dedicated to fostering excellence in behavioral health professionals and has a profound commitment to education, supervision, and mentorship. She endeavors to recruit, retain, and motivate individuals pursuing careers in behavioral health, mental health, and addiction counseling. As a dually-licensed addiction and mental health professional counselor and state-approved supervisor, she has gained experience in a wide array of treatment and academic settings for over twenty years.



Despite facing adversity as a high school dropout in Las Vegas, Roberta's journey is a testament to resilience and the transformative power of mentorship. Grateful for the guiding figures who supported her path, she pursued her academic aspirations, earning a Bachelor’s in Psychology and a Master’s in Community Counseling from UNLV, followed by a Ph.D. in Counseling from Oregon State University. Identified as Mexican-American, Roberta is deeply committed to inspiring individuals from diverse backgrounds to pursue careers as fellow providers in the behavioral health field.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Roberta finds joy in traveling, exploring the arts district in Downtown Las Vegas, and hosting themed parties for friends and family.

Yerington High School Career Fair

High Sierra AHEC’s Pre-Professional Healthcare Summit

It was truly a delightful experience attending these events with BeHERE NV! From the engaging atmosphere at Dayton High School to the vibrant energy at Yerington High School, and not to mention the insightful discussions at the High Sierra AHEC’s pre-professionals health care summit, each moment was filled with excitement and learning. We thank High Sierra AHEC for the invitation to participate in this event. Being a part of these gatherings not only allowed us to connect with the community but also provided us with valuable insights.

May marks Mental Health Awareness Month. Established in 1949 by Mental Health America, this initiative unites millions of Americans each year to promote awareness, provide essential resources and education, and advocate for mental health and well-being. Maintaining good mental health is crucial for overall well-being, as mental health conditions are common, manageable, and treatable. As we celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month this May, let's also recognize the critical role of the behavioral health workforce. These dedicated professionals are vital in supporting individuals with mental health conditions, and their contributions are more important than ever. So, let's join the movement by wearing green—a symbol of fresh starts, optimism, and energy—to make a powerful statement: "I care about mental health."

Want to know #WhereToStart with mental health advocacy? There are things *everyone* can do to improve the way mental health conditions are perceived and treated. Learn more: mhanational.org/may #MentalHealthMonth

Source:https://mhanational.org/mental-health-month/media

We will be providing an update on the implementation of Assembly Bill 37 and development of BeHERE NV to the Interim Standing Committee on Health and Human Services on Monday, May 13th. The Committee's website details multiple ways the community can attend their meetings (link). Your presence and engagement are greatly valued as we come together to discuss important topics related to mental health that impact our community.

Congratulations, Class of 2024! Your hard work, dedication, and resilience have brought you to this great achievement. As you embark on the next chapter of your journey, may you continue to pursue your dreams with passion and integrity.

May is dedicated to raising awareness and acceptance for children's mental health. By uniting as a community, we can make a difference. Join us on Thursday, May 9th, by wearing GREEN to show your support and assure our children they're not alone. Additionally, advocate for children’s mental health and spread awareness by sharing tips, resources, and informational segments you've learned from CMHAW with colleagues and family friends. Share your story on social media, blogs, newsletters, or local media to reduce stigma and encourage open discussions about children's mental health. Together, we can bring much-needed attention to mental health concerns and make a positive impact in our community.

https://acrobat.adobe.com/link/trackuri=urn%3Aaaid%3Ascds%3AUS%3A0aa391eb-0054-40c0-942c-a2c8d642b207&viewer%21megaVerb=group-discover

Stay informed and engaged with our latest updates by subscribing to our Newsletter and spreading the word to your network. BeHERE NV is dedicated to sharing monthly insights on our progress and more. Dive into the February, March, and April editions of the BeHERE NV Newsletter to discover exciting developments. We are thrilled to have you join us on this exciting journey!

Funding for BeHERE NV was made possible by Assembly Bill 37 (2023, 82nd Nevada Legislative Session) and the Nevada System of Higher Education