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Raiders' Solomon Thomas joins mental health panel, launches foundation to help fight suicide

Pandemic, mental health in BIPOC communities panel
Solomon Thomas
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Posted at 6:37 PM, May 18, 2021
and last updated 2021-05-19 03:17:26-04

LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — Las Vegas-area health experts hosted a discussion on mental health in BIPOC communities.

Newly-signed Raiders defensive tackle Solomon Thomas joined the discussion at the Pearson Community Center Tuesday evening.

Thomas says starting the conversation about mental health is important but listening is just as important.

He recently launched his own foundation, the Defensive Lineman Foundation, which fights the high rate of teen suicides, especially in communities of color.

Thomas' sister, Ella, took her own life in 2018.

The foundation's first workshop launches on June 15. Learn more at Raiders.com.

Watch the full panel discussion below.

The panel event was moderated by licensed marriage and family therapist Bianca D. McCall, a subject matter expert on human behavior.

The panelists include:

  • Belinda Marchoud, clinical therapist, private practice Behavioral Healthcare Options
  • Brandarius Johnson, CEO and founder of Day 1 Ambition
  • Ivet Aldaba, UNLV School of Social Work, Red Rock Psychological Health
  • Jacent Wamala, licensed marriage and family therapist, private practice and Wealth and Wellness University
  • Dr. Sheldon Jacobs, vice president of NAMI Southern Nevada
  • Solomon Thomas, defensive tackle for the Las Vegas Raiders
  • Trinh Dang, executive director of NAMI Southern Nevada

Commissioner McCurdy made the opening remarks.