We want to help give the resources for Suicide Prevention in our community and are committed to preventing suicide through community education and collaboration.
Education and awareness regarding mental health conditions, screening tools to identify depression and other diagnoses, and referrals for individuals seeking treatment for themselves or a family member are all provided through our agency. In 2018 there were 48,344 recorded suicides. According to the CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics, the highest number ever recorded and a 24% jump in the annual US suicide rate from 2014. A staggering 1.4 million suicide attempts cost the public 69 billion dollars each year in medical damages. So, as you can see, there is a great need for our monthly support group for survivors of suicide, depression screening, and Mental Health First aid and depression screening available to college students to help identify persons at risk. MHA is the lead agency for the Aiken County Coalition to Prevent Suicide.
Most people who complete suicide don't want to die - they just want to stop hurting. They may not ask for help, but that doesn't mean help isn't wanted. Suicide prevention starts with recognizing the warning signs and taking them seriously. Don't be afraid to bring up the subject if you think a friend or family member is considering suicide. Talking openly about suicidal thoughts and feelings can save a life.
Have you experienced the loss of a friend or family member to suicide? The grief related to this loss is complicated at times, a unique journey.
Not so sure about attending a support group or do you feel talking with someone by phone might help you? We have trained volunteers who will listen and share their personal perspectives on grief related to suicide loss. Call 803- 641-4164 and ask for BonnieAnne Fulghum to be connected to someone.
Our Family and Friends Survivor’s Bereavement group meets once a month and through peer guidance, we help support individuals navigating the process of grief. If you are interested in more details please contact our office and begin to heal the hurt that is left behind.
Approved Resources for Suicide Prevention
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Dial 211 or toll free (877) 648-9900
www.aikenhelpline211.org
1055-B Silver Bluff Rd, Aiken, SC 29803 -
(803) 292-3041
Meeting Place: 233 Pendelton Street NW Aiken, SC 29802
Meeting Schedule: 2nd Tuesday of every month, 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.
This is a FREE support group
www.afsp.org -
(803) 641-7700
www.state.sc.us/dmh/ab/index.html
1135 Gregg Hwy, Aiken, SC 29801
Accepted Insurance: Medicare, Medicaid, Some Private Insurance -
(803) 641-5900
www.aikenregional.com/Hospital-Services/Behavioral-Health-Services
655 Medical Park Drive, Aiken, SC 29801 -
(803) 649-1911
www.aikencenter.org
1105 Gregg Hwy, Aiken, SC 29801
Accepted Insurance: SC Medicaid, Private Insurance -
(803) 642-3801
33 Varden Drive, Aiken, SC 29803 -
(803) 641-9979
110 Chesterfield St. NE, Aiken, SC 29801
Accepted Insurance: Sliding scale and some Private Insurance NO Medicaid or Medicare accepted. -
(803) 779-5363
https://mha-sc.org/
1823 Gadsden St, Columbia, SC 29201 -
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(800) 273-8255 - PRESS 1
www.veteranscrisisline.com -
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How You Can Help
Your donation can empower those with mental illness with lasting access to the help they need and deserve and the hope and opportunity it brings. There are so many ways you can help bring our mission to the lives that need it most.
Volunteering Offers Something for Everyone
MHAAC's Volunteer Program welcomes people of all ages. MHAAC Volunteers are retirees, professionals, homemakers, students, part-time residents, women and men of all backgrounds who live in surrounding communities. They are very special people who have one common purpose -- they want to help others and make a difference. Volunteers have played a vital role at MHAAC since 1967. They are an important part of our agency's "family", donating selflessly of their time and talents; working closely with staff to help us carry out our mission.
