When the Renown Crisis Care Center (RCCC) reopened in November, it marked a significant milestone for behavioral health services in our community. At the heart of that success was the leadership and dedication of Jimmy Lao, MSN, CCRN, CNE, Director of Nursing, Emergency Services at Renown Health.
Bringing Essential Behavioral Health Services to Northern Nevada
In the weeks leading up to the reopening, Jimmy played a pivotal role in bringing the RCCC back online, ensuring the community had access to reliable, high-quality behavioral health crisis care. He worked closely with internal teams and external partners, met with local agencies, delivered presentations and cultivated strong relationships with other nonprofit organizations across the region. Through this collaborative approach, Jimmy helped align clinical operations, community expectations and care coordination, laying the foundation for a safe, effective and highly visible relaunch.
Jimmy’s commitment did not stop once the doors reopened. In addition to his responsibilities as Director of Nursing, he has maintained a hands-on clinical presence at the Crisis Care Center since opening day. By supporting staff, troubleshooting challenges in real time and helping guide daily operations, Jimmy has ensured a smooth transition and sustained excellence in care delivery. His ability to balance strategic leadership, partnership-building and direct patient care reflects Renown’s mission in action.
What is the Crisis Care Center?
The Renown Crisis Care Center provides immediate, compassionate care for individuals experiencing a behavioral health crisis. Designed to deliver timely assessment, stabilization and connection to ongoing support, the center plays a critical role in ensuring patients receive the right level of care in the right setting. Click here to learn more.
The holiday season is right around the corner, and the promise of the new year follows closely behind. It is often seen as a time of joy, celebration and connection—but for many teens, it can also be a period of emotional strain. Laura Dykins, APRN, a nurse practitioner with Renown Children’s Primary Care, emphasizes how important it is to understand what hardships teens may experience during the holiday months and how we can offer meaningful support to teenagers and their families.
The holidays are often seen as a time of reflection and celebration with loved ones. However, amidst everyday stressors and increased commitments to friends and family, this festive season can also bring feelings of exhaustion or sadness, commonly referred to as the holiday blues or holiday depression.
According to a survey conducted by the American Psychiatric Association, 40% of Americans anticipate more holiday stress this year, an increase from 28% the previous year. Mark Brehm, Licensed Clinical Social Worker at Renown Behavioral Health, shares more about signs and symptoms of the holiday blues and practical tips for managing them.
When someone is facing a mental health emergency, they need a safe, calm place to go. The Renown Crisis Care Center is now open again—offering 24/7 support for adults in crisis who need help right away.
