At lunchtime a few times each month, I watch teens stream into our Strength In Numbers club meetings — some rushing in from a test, others from practice, and a few just looking for a place to breathe. Across the three high schools I support, each club has nearly 60...
As we approach the holiday season and youth head into winter break, it’s important to learn ways to navigate substance use prevention during this time. While the holidays are often associated with joy, celebration, and time with loved ones, they can also bring...
Two weeks ago, youth leaders from San Clemente High School attended The Center at Sierra Health Foundation - Youth Suicide Prevention Programs annual convening - Tomorrow Together: Youth Suicide Prevention Program. Wellness & Prevention Center staff accompanied...
May marks Mental Health Awareness Month nationwide, a time dedicated to amplifying the voices of mental health advocates and combating stigma. Stigma, rooted in negative attitudes and stereotypes, poses a significant barrier to accessing mental health care. It breeds...
This New Year's Eve, as my family always does, we went around the dinner table and shared our New Year's resolutions. A few days before, I felt overwhelmed by the idea of a resolution. I thought of all the things I hope to achieve—personally, professionally, and...
The Wellness & Prevention Center (WPC) is a 501c3 organization founded in 2014 by concerned community members to increase access to mental health services for local teens and families. We began supporting students and their families at San Clemente High School,...
Youth suicide is a growing concern, affecting millions of families across the world. The Center for Disease Control reports that in 2021 suicide was the second leading cause of death for people ages 10-14 and 20-34. In our own community, 18% of high school students...
The Wellness & Prevention Center has been supporting young people and their families as they return back to school for seven years, and there are some common concerns that we hear from teens and families each year. Typically, the biggest stressor at the beginning...
In October 2022, the Wellness & Prevention Coalition started a new five year cycle of funding through the Office of National Drug Control Policy Drug-Free Communities grant program. This competitive award will support collaborative work across sectors in the San...
You might picture a zombified teen with dark circles under their eyes, scrolling mindlessly through a social media page as the symbol of today's teen lifestyle. Staying offline can be difficult for any teen as they need to keep up with every trend and stay in the loop...