At Intermountain Health, we believe that mental wellness is just as important as physical health—and that belief doesn’t end when Mental Health Awareness Month does. That’s why we’re proud to partner with organizations that share our commitment to supporting mental health in our communities year-round.
On May 31, we teamed up with the Las Vegas Raiders and The Defensive Line to host “The Strongest Play – Winning the Mental Game On and Off the Field”—a free, interactive mental wellness field day for youth and families at the Intermountain Health Performance Center in Henderson, Nevada.
A Day of Wellness, Connection, and Fun
The event brought together families, community leaders, and mental health advocates for a day filled with engaging activities designed to promote emotional well-being and healthy habits. Attendees explored:
- Journaling and mindfulness exercises
- Nutrition education
- Firearm safety awareness
- Fitness challenges and 40-yard dashes
- Yoga sessions
- Pet therapy with Intermountain’s therapy dogs
- Free bike helmet fittings for kids
It was a day of learning, laughter, and connection—showing that taking care of your mental wellness can be both meaningful and fun.
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Real Conversations, Real Impact
The highlight of the event was a powerful panel discussion moderated by Chris Thomas, co-founder of The Defensive Line. Panelists included:
- Carl Nassib, retired Raiders player and mental health advocate
- The Thomas family, who founded The Defensive Line after losing their daughter Ella to suicide
- Maddie Mai, LCSW, Nevada social worker
- Student leaders from Coronado High School’s Hope Squad
Together, they shared personal stories and practical advice on navigating life’s pressures, building support systems, and breaking the stigma around mental health.
“A lot of people put pressure on themselves—whether it’s from work, family, or personal expectations,” said Carl Nassib. “The key is knowing you don’t have to carry it alone. Share that load with the people who care about you.”
Maddie Mai offered simple but powerful advice on how to have sensitive conversations with loved ones:
“Be quick to listen and slow to speak. Be comfortable with silence and listen. One thing I’ve learned from working with teens over the years is they’re very straightforward. Be honest in the conversation because they can call you out when you are not. If you have concerns, bring them to the table in a genuine way. The fact that we are willing to sit down and let them come and be vulnerable—you open a whole other playing field for them. They know you’re planting a seed of hope, telling them, ‘You are not alone and I’m here for you,’ and that message will stay with them down the road.”
Chris Thomas emphasized the importance of treating mental health with the same urgency as physical health:
“If you don’t take care of your whole self—your physical, spiritual, emotional, and mental health—it can lead to devastating outcomes. We believe mental wellness should be celebrated and practiced every day.”
A Community United for Change
Intermountain Health leaders, including Desert Region President Mitch Cloward and Nevada Children’s Hospital President Lawrence Barnard, also joined the event. Barnard spoke about the urgent need for expanded mental health resources in Nevada, especially for youth.
“Nevada ranks 51st in youth mental health. That’s why we’re building a stand-alone children’s hospital with dedicated behavioral health services,” Barnard said. “But real change takes all of us—coming together, sharing our stories, and supporting one another.”
The Strongest Play Is Asking for Help
At Intermountain Health, we’re committed to creating a healthier future for every person in every community we serve. Events like this are part of our broader initiative, The Strongest Play Is Asking for Help, which encourages individuals—especially young people—to speak up, seek support, and know they’re not alone.
Because mental wellness isn’t just a moment. It’s a movement.