Traditionally, the medical field has researched the physical components of health but neglected interpersonal, social factors such as the quality of supportive relationships. To communicate the critical importance of social support to health maintenance, and to stimulate community activities which connect people and provide opportunities to enhance personal relationships in everyday life, a statewide mental health promotion initiative was undertaken in California. The program utilized educational materials, localized responsibility for community education (with an emphasis on the community's "ownership" of the campaign), and mass media to disseminate its message over a 1-month period. Evaluation of the program showed increased agreement with the message, improved attitudes toward friendship, and intentions to become involved with friends. Additional information in this program description includes: (1) the educational resource materials used; (2) the rationale and procedures for planning and implementing a statewide campaign; (3) a listing of the public mass media participants and their time and financial contributions; and (4) a listing of private sector contributors. (BL)