On October 25th, 2023 a woman was released from the Kershaw County Detention Center. This woman was arrested for “Preach of Peace”. She was released while still showing signs of mental instability.
She was also released from the Kershaw County Detention Center wearing nothing but a bathrobe, despite having clothes with her.
Since her release the on and off again boyfriend has attempted to seek help for her. He transported her to Dillion, South Carolina in hopes of getting her help there. While driving the woman grabbed the steering wheel and attempted to cause the flipping of his vehicle multiple times. Upon arriving at the Dillion hospital an ER Nurse came out and simply informed him that if she did not want to be seen then there is nothing they can do. Despite the woman speaking of the puppies in the van (which there were none).
In both Kershaw County and Dillion both Bond judges placed a hold on her due to her mental state. This meant someone had to come and take responsibility for her before her release. In Kershaw County the woman was released to the on and off again boyfriend who the woman had them call.
In Dillion it is unknown who she was released to.
The on/off boyfriend began to contact multiple state agencies and the Catholic Church in attempts to seek help for the person he cares about.
What he discovered was that he was passed off to other agencies and told that substance abuse did not qualify for mental health assistance, even though he explained it had nothing to do with the drinking. That her issues were from a life of abuse.
He later discovered she had been taken to Richland Baptist Hospital, were 2 Doctors actually took the time to understand this young woman’s needs for help and that she was asking for help.
In today’s world the mental health crisis is to a point never seen before. Are State and local agencies really trying to help? Most would say no, but others would excuse the lack of help on funding.
South Carolina is ranked 28th in the nation for its suicide rate. Throughout the state of South Carolina, suicide is the:
- 3rd leading cause of death for ages 10-24
- 3rd leading cause of death for ages 25-34
- 4th leading cause of death for ages 35-44
- 7th leading cause of death for ages 45-54
- 11th leading cause of death for ages 55-64
- 18th leading cause of death for ages 65+
Overall, suicide is the 12th leading cause of death in South Carolina.
This young woman may now be able to receive the help she has been asking for, if the State does not fail her again.
The average stay in State facilities for mental health is 5 to 7 days, whereupon these individuals are released having received the minimalist of help for their issues.