In September, standing before a packed ballroom at the San Diego Convention Center, Mental Health Innovator Award recipient Mychal Threets held up a children's book and delivered a powerful message:
"It's okay not to be okay."
Just weeks after publicly sharing his decision to seek treatment during a difficult chapter of his mental health journey, the librarian, Reading Rainbow host, and mental health advocate spoke openly about vulnerability, healing, and connection.
“I'm still here. I'm still trying to be the best version of myself," Threets told attendees.
His words became a defining theme of Wellness Together's 10th Annual Youth Mental Health Conference, held September 9-11. As World Mental Health Day approaches on October 10, his message is especially timely.
"If you're struggling, remember that you are not alone. You matter, and you belong,” he said.
That message echoed throughout the three-day conference, which brought together educators, healthcare leaders, policymakers, and community advocates committed to improving mental health outcomes for young people.
Recognizing leaders making a difference
Threets was one of two recipients of this year's Mental Health Innovator Award, presented by Blue Shield of California and Wellness Together. Hope Scott, executive vice president, general counsel and corporate secretary at Blue Shield of California, presented the awards. The annual awards honor outstanding champions who are advancing youth mental health access, awareness, and advocacy — the three core tenets of Blue Shield’s BlueSky youth mental health initiative.
The second honoree, California State Senator and physician Dr. Akilah Weber Pierson, was recognized for championing policies that support children, families, and youth mental health across California.
Drawing on her experiences as a physician, policymaker, and mother, Dr. Weber Pierson reminded attendees that youth mental health is more than a policy issue: "As an OBGYN, an educator, a state senator, but most importantly, a mom, when we talk about children's health, we're not talking just about statistics or policy. We're talking about someone's child," she said.
Together, the honorees have complementary approaches toward the same goal: help people feel that they belong, while building systems that make support accessible.
Turning conversations into action
Throughout the conference, speakers explored practical solutions to the youth mental health crisis.
One featured panel, moderated by CBS 8 San Diego anchor Jenny Day, brought together psychologist and bestselling author Dr. Lisa Damour, author Anna Malaika Tubbs, and Blue Shield of California director of Behavioral Health Dr. Nicole Stelter.
The discussion focused on helping young people feel connected and supported, while emphasizing the need to reduce stigma and expand access to care. The group also reinforced that meaningful progress happens when organizations work together.
Another powerful moment came during the conference's VIP dinner, where Blue Shield Promise Health Plan’s chief health equity officer, Valerie Martinez, introduced keynote speaker Dr. Fabi Bagula, superintendent of San Diego Unified School District.
Bagula spoke about the responsibility adults share in creating environments where students feel safe, heard, and supported. Reflecting on a recent immigration enforcement action that affected families in her district, she highlighted the impact such events can have on children’s well-being.
Her remarks were a reminder that supporting students requires more than academic success. It also requires stability, compassion, and community.
A decade of impact
For Wellness Together communications director Jeremiah Aja, the conference’s growth reflects a simple idea that began a decade ago:
"What if we got all the stakeholders and leaders across California together to talk about mental health awareness, advocacy, and access to care?"
What began with 500 attendees has grown into an international gathering focused on supporting students and the adults who care for them. And over the past decade, Wellness Together and Blue Shield have worked together to expand access to youth mental health resources across California. As Aja noted, "Healthy classrooms begin with healthy school staff."
For many attendees, however, the conference’s most memorable takeaway came from its opening message.
Standing on stage, Mychal Threets reminded the audience that asking for help is actually a sign of strength, and most of all — belonging can be transformative.
Blue Shield of California's BlueSky youth mental health initiative is a multi-year effort to promote emotional well-being for young people across California. Since 2019, BlueSky has supported over 33,000 youth and educators through on-campus and online mental health services, educator training, and youth-driven advocacy programs. As a Legacy Impact Partner, Blue Shield of California is proud to support Wellness Together’s mission and decade-long commitment to youth well-being. Together, we look forward to continuing the work of ensuring every young person knows they are valued, supported, and that they belong.