A groundbreaking mental health facility, The Space 2.0, was officially announced on Monday, offering a first-of-its-kind approach to supporting mental well-being in Las Vegas. The center, which has been years in the making, will serve a diverse range of groups, including entertainment performers, first responders, veterans, students, and educators within the Clark County School District.
In addition to mental health services, The Space 2.0 will offer health insurance options for entertainers who may be between jobs, as well as financial literacy classes.
Mark Shunock, the founder of The Space 2.0, emphasized the importance of supporting those who contribute to Las Vegas’ thriving service industry. “The members of our service industry carry Vegas on their back, and we must do a better job to ensure that we are providing the assistance and programs needed to ensure their well-being,” Shunock said.
Annette Bening, actress and chair of the Entertainment Community Fund, also voiced her commitment to the initiative. “I’m part of this entire effort. We are all here to take care of each other,” Bening remarked.
Mental health services will be a core focus of the facility, with particular attention given to first responders. Shunock revealed that the Firefighter Behavioral Health Alliance will have a permanent residence within the center for the first time.
Jeff Dill, founder of the Firefighter Behavioral Health Alliance, shared the grave mental health struggles that first responders face, including the alarming rate of suicides within the profession. “We had a stretch for seven years in a row where we lost more firefighters to suicide than line-of-duty deaths,” Dill explained. “What Mark is offering us today will increase the ability for not only first responders but community members, entertainers, and children to seek help.”
The Space 2.0 will span 80,000 square feet, located on an open lot at Polaris Avenue and Harmon Avenue. Construction is slated to begin in late 2025, with plans to raise $50 million before the project moves forward. If all goes as planned, the five-story facility is expected to open in late 2028.
The initiative aims to provide a lasting impact on the mental health of Las Vegas residents, supporting those in high-stress professions and at-risk communities across the city.
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