Carson City, NV — Carson Tahoe Health is proud to announce the successful completion of the pilot phase of its pioneering Healing Our Kids & Community (HOK) initiative, in collaboration with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Nevada at their Carson City Clubhouse.
This innovative initiative, designed to support youth mental health through community-based outreach, uses play-based programming to teach tools that enhance lifelong well-being.
The pilot, which ran from July through August 2025, delivered 32 hours of immersive, resilience-building programming through Carson Tahoe’s Vehicles of Change—a bold new wellness model featuring four themed vehicles—Food, Play, Sound, and Art—each representing a unique aspect of healing and support for children’s mental health.
The vehicle outreach program offers an engaging and evolving series of sessions designed to promote creativity, teamwork, and self-expression through interactive activities like game creation, breathing exercises, art projects, and performance.
Participants explore themes such as play, healthy eating, communication, and celebration, culminating in community-building events that showcase their growth and achievements.
“We are so grateful that Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Nevada said ‘yes’ to walking this path with us,” said Melissa Elges, Carson Tahoe Health Foundation Director. “Together, we’re addressing one of the most urgent needs facing our community—the youth mental health crisis. Continuing this journey with like-minded partners who care deeply about the well-being of our kids is what will lead to a lasting impact.”
Carson Tahoe is now analyzing pilot data to further streamline programming and prepare for regional expansion. With strong early results and enthusiastic community feedback, the organization hopes to scale the initiative across the Quad-Counties, including additional Boys & Girls Club locations and local community events.
‘Providing mental‑health support to our Club families has been one of our top priorities in 2025,” said Brett Zunino, the CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Nevada. “When Carson Tahoe Health asked us to pilot this program, we saw it as more than an opportunity. It was a chance to turn priority into impact.”
To sustain and expand these critical services, Carson Tahoe Hospital is actively fundraising to support programming supplies, fuel, maintenance, and other operational costs. Community members are invited to support the initiative through a special raffle fundraiser. Tickets are on sale now, offering a chance to win a brand-new vehicle donated by Carson City Toyota or $15,000 in cash.
https://give.carsontahoe.com/campaign/720821/donate
Carson Tahoe purchased and retrofitted the CTVs through generous funding from a state grant and private donors. Now, with community support, the program can continue to deliver essential care to children and families where they need it most.
“We’ve had a long-standing relationship with the Boys & Girls Clubs, and this initiative is proof of what can happen when we come together in support of our youth,” said Kitty McKay, Vice President of Community and Patient Experience at Carson Tahoe Health. “This is only the beginning of what will become an even more impactful collaboration across the region.”
For more information about Healing Our Kids & Community or to support the initiative, please visit: www.healingourkids.org
About Carson Tahoe Health
Carson Tahoe, a not-for-profit, independent community hospital, has been caring for residents in the Quad County region since 1949 and now serves a population of over 250,000. Its integrated system of care includes a hospital with 199 licensed acute care beds, two urgent care centers, an emergent care center, comprehensive behavioral health services, outpatient services, and a provider network with locations across Northern Nevada. A longstanding affiliation with the University of Utah Health further broadens access to advanced care.
Rooted in a legacy of truly serving community needs, the Regional Medical Center—voted one of the 10 most beautiful hospitals in the nation—was the first baby-friendly designated hospital in Nevada, and the Mallory Behavioral Health Crisis Stabilization Center is the first and only of its kind in the state. The freestanding Carson Tahoe Cancer Center, an affiliate of the Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah, is located on the medical campus and provides comprehensive cancer services from diagnosis and treatment to recovery and support.
To learn more about Carson Tahoe Health, visit www.CarsonTahoe.com.
