Program News

On December 20, 2023, during a meeting of the SC Suicide Prevention Coalition at the SC legislature, Emily Michenfelder, a 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline volunteer with Mental Health America of Greenville County, was awarded the 2023 Zero Suicide Champion Award by Senator Katrina Shealy, the Coalition’s Co-Chair. Earlier in 2023, Michenfelder had given a […]

Operation Santa Claus (OSC), held annually in December, is a program through Mental Health America of Greenville County that delivers more than 400 gift bags to adults with chronic mental health conditions who are either homeless or living in supported housing during the holidays. Vanessa Vestergaard, who has overseen the program for the last eight […]

As we step into 2024, we at Mental Health America of Greenville County (MHAGC) are proud to enter our 34th year of providing crucial Crisis Intervention Services (CIS) and to mark the extraordinary milestone of having responded to a half million calls, chats, and texts from individuals facing crises. We do not stand alone in […]

Winter holidays can be a source of joy, bringing people together and creating lasting positive memories. For many, though, including those who see the holiday season in a positive light overall, the season can be a time of stress and pressure. The week before Thanksgiving (Nov 14-16, 2023), the American Psychological Association surveyed more than […]

This fall, Mental Health America of Greenville County has been on the receiving end of a huge show of support from the community, and we feel the love! Three individual civic or community groups approached MHAGC about focusing their fundraising on our agency’s behalf: Together, these three groups raised $4,452.06 to benefit the agency’s programs […]

At Mental Health America of Greenville County, we are so excited to reveal our brand new website! For the last few months, we’ve worked with a developer to update our web platform and functionality to maximize flexibility and responsiveness and bring you updated content on a regular basis. Let us give you a tour! Right […]

National First Responders Day, established by Congress in 2017 as an annual observance on October 28, recognizes the important work of those who respond to emergencies, disasters, and other urgent situations on a daily basis. In September, as part of the September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance, MHAGC’s AmeriCorps members partnered with Upstate Warrior […]

Mental Health America of Greenville County (MHAGC) and the American Association of Suicidology (AAS) are proud to announce that MHAGC has received AAS accreditation for its crisis services program!  AAS indicates that fewer than 130 agencies in the country have earned their accreditation status as a crisis services provider and ensures individuals who are in […]

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Native Americans and Alaska Natives are affected by suicide at a rate disproportionate to the general U.S. population. Recently, federal grants administered through SAMHSA are providing resources to support 988 tribal response in indigenous communities.  Catawba Nation, headquartered in Rock Hill, SC intends to draw on […]

Building partnerships to support 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline’s reach throughout South Carolina is an important piece of advancing equity in access to crisis services. While 988’s first year of operation in the state has given not only callers but program administrators reason for hope, there are still members of our community who may be […]

More than two decades ago on September 11, 2001, many lost their lives to the 9/11 attacks. We remember and honor the sacrifices made that day and the sacrifices that continue to be made by members of our armed forces, emergency responders and their families by uniting through service and volunteerism throughout our communities. On Wednesday, September […]

Looking Forward in Hope, Partnership, and Gratitude Hopeful. In a word, that is how South Carolinians can feel as the first year of operation for SC’s 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline comes to a close. At the time of 988’s nationwide launch last year on July 16, 2022, our state had only one call center, […]

July is Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, also known as BIPOC Mental Health Month. Historically, the narrative around BIPOC Mental Health has been defined by trauma, disparities, and oppression. In support of changing the narrative to one centered on culture, community, and connection – the pillars that support and uplift BIPOC […]