Why is this Critical to the Nevada community?
Nevada ranks 48th in the nation for overall mental health access (Mental Health America, 2024). The state also has one of the highest suicide rates in the western U.S., and a mental health provider ratio of 580:1 compared to the national average of 350:1 (NDHHS, 2024).
Pilot Project: Introduces practical, evidence-based breathing techniques that improve focus, reduce stress, and support mental resilience. Our efforts will assess the potential for a pilot program focused on breathing techniques and stress reduction for legal professionals, first responders, and veterans.
Pilot Approach: 1) 60–90 minute in-person or hybrid workshops, and 2) Techniques: box breathing, paced breathing, grounding breathwork.
Disclaimer:
This program is currently in development. The CLE accreditation is pending approval by the State Bar of Nevada Board of Continuing Legal Education. UNLV is not a certifying or accrediting body for this program but is providing referrals and informal support during the development phase. My Scars Are Beautiful (MSAB) serves as a community collaboration partner supporting outreach and engagement.
Breathing Techniques UNLV FCF MSAB
Continuing Legal Education (CLE) Series Program (under-development)
Our program vision is to promote well-being, improve focus, and reduce burnout among attorneys, judges, and court staff.
We are currently collaborating with our legal advisors to develop the certification standards that will be submitted to the State Bar of Nevada’s Board of Continuing Legal Education (CLE) for review and approval. UNLV provides referrals and informal guidance as we refine the program’s structure and align it with best practices in attorney wellness and professional ethics.
This initiative is developed in collaboration with My Scars Are Beautiful (MSAB) to amplify community outreach and survivor-centered support within the mental wellness and empowerment space.
Program Modules:
a. Breathing Techniques for Stress Relief – Practical and evidence-based methods to reduce anxiety and regulate stress responses in high-pressure legal environments.
b. From Burnout to Balance – Addressing compassion fatigue, emotional resilience, and ethical self-care for attorneys and court professionals.
c. The Power of Breath: Transform Your Mental Health – Integrating mindfulness and neuroscience to improve decision-making and enhance professional competence.
Our Breathing Techniques Pilot
Fong Cares Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to mental wellness, suicide prevention, and community healing among legal professionals, first responders, and veterans. The nonprofit was established in memory of Michael Hercules Wilfong, a Clark County public defender. Our areas of focus are on stress management, trauma recovery, community well-being, with a mission of reducing stigma, increasing access, and bridging the wellness with equity.
We are announcing a campaign dedicated to supporting our efforts to assess the potential for a pilot program focused on breathing techniques and stress reduction for legal professionals, first responders, and veterans. Our non-profit is passionately rallying for funds to promote community mental health well-being and sustain popular fundraisers accessible to our community. By contributing, you're directly investing in actions and activities, ensuring that our public servants, legal professionals, first responders, and veterans are provided the resources focused on assisting the issues related to their high stress contributed to the work environment. Join us in this noble cause, as together, we strive to create a healthier future for our dedicated public servants.