Kershaw County Hosts Mental Health Summit to Address Community Needs
On Thursday, Kershaw County hosted a summit focused on addressing mental health challenges within the community. The event featured several key public service figures, including Judge Branham of the Kershaw County Probate Court and Sheriff Lee Boan of the Kershaw County Sheriff’s Office.
The summit primarily emphasized a shared message from panelists: the county needs increased funding and personnel to effectively manage mental health concerns. However, a few panelists offered alternative or more nuanced perspectives.
Deputy Hager Advocates for Personal Connection and Community Involvement
Deputy Hager of the Kershaw County Sheriff’s Department highlighted the importance of simple human interaction in supporting individuals facing mental health issues. He emphasized the value of listening and compassion, noting that not all solutions require financial resources. Hager also encouraged local churches to mobilize volunteers within their congregations to support those struggling with mental health, pointing to similar successful outreach efforts in other counties.
Judge Branham Shares Her Learning Experience
Judge Branham reflected on her journey of understanding mental health in the judicial context. She admitted that she initially lacked knowledge on how to approach these issues from the bench but took the initiative to educate herself not only on the legal dimensions but also on the broader mental health landscape.
Sheriff Boan Addresses First Responder Role
Sheriff Lee Boan explained that sheriff’s deputies often serve as first responders in mental health-related incidents because they are available around the clock and respond to every call. However, this statement was met with some skepticism, as the Sheriff’s Office has reportedly declined numerous wellness check requests in the past, citing various reasons, including deputy opinion.
Crayman Harvey Addresses Mental Health in Detention Facilities
Crayman Harvey, another panelist, addressed concerns about the lack of mental health care for detainees at the Kershaw County Detention Center. He acknowledged the issue and attributed it to inadequate protocols and training. Harvey stated that improving mental health support within the facility is a priority moving forward.
Public Reaction and Takeaways
The summit was streamed live on Facebook, and several viewers expressed skepticism, interpreting the event as a push for increased funding. Despite this perception, certain panel members succeeded in shedding light on the often-overlooked mental health challenges facing the county and proposed actionable community-based solutions.