By: Jared Fisher
Over the years, Nevada—and Las Vegas in particular—has earned a reputation for being a lot of things: A gambling mecca, a premiere wedding destination, a spot for ‘what happens here, stays here’ fun and debauchery. What Nevada hasn’t always been known for, however, is its commitment to mental, physical and spiritual health.
To me, my family and my business, Vegas has always been strong.
This became evident in the wake of the October 1 tragedy in Las Vegas, when newscasters, politicians and celebrities from around the world expressed appreciative surprise by the way the Las Vegas community had pulled together in support of one another; forgetting, it would seem, that Las Vegas is more than just the sum of its resorts and casinos. Las Vegas is a popular tourist destination, yes, but it is also a home city to over 500,000 of hardworking men and women and children. It is a home to people who hold many of the same values that other Americans share—such as community involvement, civic engagement and neighborly goodwill. We Nevadans care about one another’s mental and physical wellbeing and we care about the health of our state.
And this hope for a healthy Nevada extends beyond Las Vegas. While in the capital for Nevada Day last month, a Carson City resident approached to inform me that the residents of Northern Nevada had been joining forces in support of Las Vegas.
“We’ve been raising money and donating blood, too.” she explained. “To us, it’s about more than just #VegasStrong; it’s #NevadaStrong. We’re all in this together.”
The stereotypes are wrong.
It is conversations like this one that have fueled my drive to run for governor. I want to reshape the conversation; show the rest of the country that there’s more to this strong, independent and beautiful state than may meet the eye. One need only look to state’s 20 state parks, two national parks, seven national forests and world-famous mountain biking, hiking and rock climbing trails to see that this is true. People from around the world have relocated to our towns and cities to enjoy the wide-open spaces, sunny weather and compassionate, down-to-earth and open-minded people. Nevada is great place to live—a healthy place to live. I know it. Nevadans know it. It’s time the rest of the world knew it, too.
Join the Movement. Help us raise awareness for a #HealthyNevada.
I encourage you to participate in our Healthy Nevada Movement by spending the holiday months partaking in a healthy activity of your choosing. Go for a hike, hug a neighbor, prepare a nutritious meal for your family—the activity is up to you—then take a picture, upload it to social media and tag it using the hashtag #HealthyNevada.
Let’s become leaders in the fight against tragedy, political infighting and collective national stress. Let’s show our fellow Nevadans, the nation, and even the world that the residents of the Silver State cherish our mental, physical and spiritual health.
Let’s start a movement for a Healthy Nevada.
About Fisher for Nevada: Fisher for Nevada is the campaign website of Jared Fisher, candidate in the 2018 Nevada governor election. Jared Fisher is running on a platform for positive, productive leadership for a Healthy Nevada. This includes an emphasis on a diversified economy, a strong education system and clean, renewable energy.
