The South Carolina Department of Mental Health (SCDMH) and its local mental health center, Tri-County Community Mental Health Center (TCCMHC), are commemorating ‘May is Mental Health Month’.
Each year, the SCDMH, mental health advocacy groups, churches, schools and civic organizations strive to raise awareness about the importance of mental health, challenge South Carolinians to consider their views toward mental illness, respect those who live with these medical disorders, and fight the stigma that too often prevents people in need from seeking help. SC Governor Henry McMaster has issued a proclamation declaring May as Mental Health Month.
The South Carolina Department of Mental Health’s mission is to support the recovery of people with mental illnesses, giving priority to adults with serious and persistent mental illness and to children and adolescents with serious emotional disturbances.
The South Carolina Department of Mental Health began providing services in Chesterfield, Marlboro, and Dillon counties in 1965 when the Tri-County Mental Health clinic opened in Bennettsville with four staff. In 1970, the clinic expanded to provide on-site services in Chesterfield and Dillon counties. Today, Tri-County Community Mental Health Center serves residents of all three counties in three county clinics, thirteen schools, two local hospitals, homes, and via after-hours crisis services. Over the past year, TCCMHC provided over 21,000 services to more than 1,500 residents. More information about TCCMHC and its services is available at tricountycmhc.org.
Anyone in need of services can call TCCMHC at their local county clinic:
Chesterfield Mental Health Clinic (843) 623-2229
Dillon Mental Health Clinic (843) 774-3351
Marlboro Mental Health Clinic (843) 454-0442
Dillon County Council Mental Health Month Proclamation
WHEREAS, there is a proven connection between good mental health and overall personal health; and
WHEREAS, mental illness affect almost every family in American; and
WHEREAS, people with mental illnesses recover of given the necessary services and supports in
their communities; and
WHEREAS, people with mental illness make important contributions to our families and our
communities; and
WHEREAS, millions of adults and children are disabled by mental illnesses every year; and
WHEREAS, only one out of two people with a serious form of mental illness seeks treatment for his or her mental illness; and
WHEREAS, stigma and fear of discrimination keep many who would benefit from mental services from
Seeking help; and
WHEREAS, research shows that the most effective way to reduce stigma is through personal contact
With someone with a mental illness; and
WHEREAS, good mental health is critical to the well-being of our families, communities, schools, and businesses; and
WHEREAS, greater public awareness about mental illnesses can change negative attitudes and behaviors toward people with mental illnesses;
NOW THEREFORE, I, Stevie Grice, on behalf of Dillon County, do hereby proclaim the month of May 2018 as
METNAL HEALTH MONTH.
As the Chairman of Dillon County Council, I also call upon all Dillon County citizens, government agencies, public and private institutions, businesses, and schools to recommit our community to increasing awareness and understanding of mental illnesses, reducing stigma and discrimination, and promoting appropriate and accessible services for all people with mental illnesses.
Stevie Grice,
Chairman,
Dillon County Council
