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The Messenger

MHASC Bringing Wellness Home
 
First Edition, Volume 6 February 2010
Greetings!
It seems everyday we hear more and more bad news; the earthquake in Haiti, more deaths in the war against terrorism and never ending budget cuts right here in South Carolina. Don't let these hard times wear you down. Learn to take better care of yourself and gain strategies for overcoming the blues. In fact, MHASC is not immune to these hard times either and have taken significant measures to help us survive these difficult economic days. We will continue to educate as many South Carolinians as we possibly can. We will never give up our dedication to support and advocate for those affected by mental illness. And we will never give up our battle to overcome stigma. We thank you for your support.
MHASC Staff
 
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Take Action
 
MHASC urges all of you to join us as we work with our national office, Mental Health America to call on President Obama to reverse a long-standing, unwritten policy of not sending Presidential letters of condolence to the families of service members who have completed suicide. A resolution approved unanimously by the Executive Committee of the National Board of Directors said: "We believe the lack of acknowledgment and condolence from the President can leave these families with an emotional vacuum and a feeling that somehow their sacrifices may not have been as great as others who died while in the military." Whether a soldier died in combat or because of suicide, nothing diminishes the personal sacrifices each family endured on our country's behalf. Overturning this policy and sending letters to families will help eliminate stigma and shame associated with suicide. Sign the petition calling on the President to start writing condolence letters to families of military service members who complete suicide and help eliminate the stigma.  IT ONLY TAKES A MINUTE AND WE NEED YOU!
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Helping the Hurting 
 A GREAT SUCCESS!
 
With over 120 in attendance, MHASC's conference to bring pastors and church leaders into the discussion of the role of mental illness in members of faith congregations was a huge success.
Conference attendees learned about mental illness; what it is, what it looks like, and what is not.  Issues of substance abuse, especially alcoholism and mental illness were discussed and guidance was shared for helping themselves, their congregations and the individuals in their midst dealing with mental illness. Church leaders were also able to talk with representatives from more than 25 community agencies available to turn to for help or to confidently refer a church member to for help.  MHASC would like to thank the following organizations for participating in the Helping the Hurting Resource Fair: 
South Carolina Department of Mental Health
Three Rivers Behavioral Health
Work in Progress
Hospice Care of Tri-County
Lexington/Richland Alcohol and Drug Abuse Center
Dorn VA Center
Crossroads Counseling
NAMI Mid-Carolina
Sexual Trauma Services of the Midlands
FAVOR
Celebrate Recovery
Columbia Area Mental Health Center
Lexington Mental Health Center
Carolina Center for Behavioral Health
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Columbia Chapter
South Carolina Department of Social Services
Cahfee Independent Living Program of the SC Department of Social Services
Operation Military Kids
The Joint Family Support Assistance Program
 
Mental Health America of South Carolina also extends a heartful thank-you to Midlands Technical College and Palmetto Health Behavioral Care for their contributions to this conference.
 
We look forward to MHASC's next faith-based conference!!!!
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1823 Gadsden Street
Columbia, South Carolina  29201
(803) 779-5363
 
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In This Issue
Take Action
Helping The Hurting
IC Hope Provides Comfort
IC Hope on the Move
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IC HOPE PROVIDES COMFORT
 
 "On November 30, 2009, H1N1 flu shots were given to our school. We had about 400 students from grade K through 5th who participated. I had the IC HOPE duck stuffed animal out during this time - and he was a real hit!! He soothed many tears and made the kids feel much less fearful of the shot they were getting!"
Thank you!!
Stephanie Bigman
Flowertown Elementary School
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IC HOPE ON THE MOVE!
 
IC HOPE, the mascot of the Don't Duck Mental Health program will appear in the following locations this spring!
 
February 5, 2010
Beech Hill Elementary, Summerville, SC
 
February 19, 2010
High Hills Elementary
Sumter, SC
 
February 22, 2010
Pocalla Springs Elementary
Sumter, SC
 
February 23, 2010
Lemira Elementary
Sumter, SC
 
February 26, 2010
Alice Drive Elementary
Sumter, SC
 
March 26, 2010
Delaine Elementary School
Sumter,SC
 
April 1, 2010
Manchester Elementary School
Sumter, SC
 
 
  To learn more about these and other upcoming events visit www.mha-sc.org 
  
Congratulations!
 
MHASC's "Bridges" celebrated it's 16th anniversary last month.  Learn more about this great program. 
  
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