Mental Health America of South Carolina (MHASC) is taking big steps to support the state’s rural communities, all thanks to a partnership with Mental Health America National and West Fraser, a global wood products company. Through this partnership, MHASC received funding to extend its mental health services to rural South Carolina and reach smaller cities that would not otherwise have access to mental health resources.
The team began by sending letters and resource packets to local faith leaders. Since September was Suicide Prevention Month, materials included helpful newsletter announcements, resources in English and Spanish, and information about their Mental Health 101 sessions, offered both in person and online. They also highlighted the free mental health screenings available through the Mental Health America website.
A special program that MHASC introduced to faith communities is “IC Hope/Don’t Duck Mental Health.” It features a duck mascot and is designed to teach both children and adults that mental illness is real and treatable. The materials are engaging, with curriculum for teachers and adults, and even fun items like coloring pages, stickers, and craft supplies for a paper sack puppet. This initiative makes learning about mental health interactive and accessible for all ages.
MHASC also worked with MHA National to obtain a unique QR code for National MHA Prevention and Detection Program so they can learn more about how people in South Carolina use mental health screenings. Over the coming months, MHASC will continue to expand its efforts in rural communities, thanks to the West Fraser grant. This includes offering more mental health first aid training, hosting suicide awareness programs, and setting up booths at events to spread the word about mental health resources.
MHASC has also been busy with other projects. Last year, the organization revamped its website and hosted two major conferences, one focused on suicide prevention and another for peer supporters. Both were funded by a grant from the South Carolina Department of Mental Health and are already planning conferences for 2025.
In addition to rural outreach, MHASC has also maintained a presence at Soda City Market, a weekly market in downtown Columbia. There, staff set up a table with materials from Mental Health America, along with resources from other organizations such as local chapters of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and the National Alliance on Mental Illness to reach even more people.
Finally, MHASC celebrated its 70th anniversary with a 70s themed party! Despite the rain caused by Hurricane Helene, which later hit parts of South Carolina and continued to affect North Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia, they still marked this important milestone. Their hearts go out to all those affected by the storm.
