Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Mental Health topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
New Behavioral Services director urges countywide suicide-prevention action; council proclaims September awareness month
Summary
Horry County’s newly formed Behavioral Services Department and Director Michelle Smith briefed the council as it unanimously approved a resolution proclaiming September Suicide Prevention Awareness Month; Director Smith said roughly 80 community members died by suicide last year and urged expanded, evidence-based, integrated care.
Horry County Council adopted a resolution proclaiming September as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month and heard a presentation from the newly established Behavioral Services Department.
Mr. Webster introduced the department and turned the floor over to Director Michelle Smith, who described the department’s recent establishment and rapid growth since April. Smith said suicide remains heavily stigmatized and cited that "approximately 80 of our community members" died by suicide last year, urging systemic change and countywide access to integrated, evidence‑based practices and prevention programming. Council members expressed support for the department and its work addressing mental health, opioid addiction and homelessness.
