“Never A Bother” Campaign Leaves Lasting Impact on Youth Suicide Prevention in South Orange County and Beyond
Over the past two years, the Wellness & Prevention Center has proudly participated in a powerful statewide initiative aimed at reducing youth suicide: the Never A Bother campaign. As one of only 32 nonprofit organizations across California selected to receive grant funding through The Center at Sierra Health Foundation, on behalf of the California Department of Public Health, the Center has worked closely with young people and the broader community to spread the campaign’s critical message—you are never a burden, never alone, and never a bother.
Launched officially in March 2024, the campaign has made a profound impact both locally and statewide. In San Clemente, local youth played a central role in shaping the message and tone of Never A Bother through focus groups, listening sessions, and video interviews. Their insights helped ensure that the campaign resonated authentically with teens and young adults, especially those who may be struggling with mental health challenges.
These same youth were also key players in community activation efforts, taking the campaign beyond digital screens and into schools, public spaces, and everyday conversations. Whether through art installations, school events, or peer-led discussions, their efforts helped foster a culture of care, empathy, and openness around mental health.
Since its launch, Never A Bother has achieved over 1.1 billion statewide impressions, reaching rural, Native, and urban communities across California through an integrated media strategy. From billboards and radio to streaming TV ads and online outreach, the campaign was intentionally designed to meet youth and their support systems wherever they are.
On social media, the campaign’s presence has been especially impactful, with over 1.8 million organic social impressions across TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook. These platforms became vital spaces for young people to hear, share, and connect with the core message: you are never a bother for needing help.
In addition, the Never A Bother website drew in 2.5 million unique users and 3 million page views, with nearly 18% of all views in Spanish—a testament to the campaign’s commitment to reaching California’s diverse communities. The site served as a key hub for resources, personal stories, and direct access to life-saving tools like the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and Teen Line.
Survey data shows the campaign is making a real difference. Over 72% of Californians exposed to the campaign reported an improved understanding of suicide prevention, enhanced ability to recognize warning signs, greater awareness of support resources, and increased confidence in helping someone who may be struggling.
While the grant-funded portion of the campaign is now moonlighting, the Wellness & Prevention Center is committed to keeping its momentum alive. The message behind Never A Bother remains as vital as ever—and we invite our local community to continue sharing it.
“Even though the official campaign phase has ended, this is not the end of the work,” said a spokesperson from the Center at Sierra Health Foundation. “If even one young person remembers that they are never a bother and reaches out for help, then we’ve made a difference. But we can’t stop here.”
We encourage parents, educators, youth, and community members to keep the conversation going. Continue to normalize talking about mental health. Remind those around you that reaching out for help is a sign of strength—not weakness. Share resources, check in with each other, and amplify the message: you are never a bother. For more information, stories, and mental health resources, visit neverabother.org or connect with the www.wpc-oc.org to learn how you can get involved in sustaining this critical message in our community.
Lauren Gallegos is the Prevention Director for the Wellness & Prevention Center