COLUMBIA, SC (WOLO) – Sixteen “Highway to Hope” RVs gathered on Bull Street Wednesday morning to participate in a community event for the South Carolina Department of Mental Health.
The day was an opportunity for everyone to see the company’s mobile service Highway To Hope up close.
Touray Beaton is the Highway to Hope Coordinator at Coastal Empire Community Mental Health Center, and by bringing their services closer to those in need, they often prevent hospitalizations and jail time. states that it is possible.
“We provide counseling services, but it is also an individual therapy service and we can also do crisis intervention services if needed. We can perform psychiatric evaluations for those who need them, and we can provide nursing services to any patient,” says Beaton.
Broderick Anderson is an outreach clinician at Columbia Regional Mental Health Center.
“Many don’t have the financial income to buy a bus ticket or have family to take them to an appointment, so we reach out to them where they are and we’re here to help. We’re trying to let people know that ‘we can meet you and try to bridge that gap and get everyone back on the page of recovery,”’ Anderson says.
RVs not only provide a private environment for those in need, but they also help break down the stigma surrounding mental health issues, Anderson said, adding, “Don’t take anything for granted. Because one day it could be me on the other side of the bridge,” he added. . So if I see someone on the other side of the bridge, on the right side of the road, that makes me happy. ”
Senator Tameika Isaac Devine says the proportion of people experiencing mental health issues is increasing and RVs are essential to reducing that number.
“It is important that we have the opportunity to go into our communities so that we can learn what resources are available, how to seek help, and most importantly, how our families and loved ones We can help people know what the signs are if they see someone struggling with their mental health.” It’s a matter of knowing what those are. So education is key,” Devine said.
Useful links and information below:
Information about the SC Mobile Crisis can be found here.
South Carolina Mobile Crisis can be reached by calling (833) 364-2274 or texting “HOPE” to 741741.
A directory of mental health clinics and centers can be found here.
Information about the Office of Suicide Prevention can be found here.
