The Columbia VA Health Care System (VAHCS) is thrilled to host the 23rd Annual Vets’ Christmas Charity Ride on December 8th, 2023. This heartwarming event brings together hundreds of riders who will kick off the festivities at Carolina Honda at 2:00 PM.
The riders, escorted by local law enforcement, will ride from Carolina Honda to the Wm. Jennings Bryan Dorn VA Medical Center to spread holiday cheer and goodwill by donating gifts to the Veterans of the Columbia VAHCS.
This powerful demonstration of support and solidarity for our Veterans showcases the community’s commitment to honoring and uplifting those who have served our country.
Thank you for your support in spreading the word about this meaningful event.
For more information about what’s going on at the Veterans medical center, clinic locations and other services available to Veterans in and around Columbia, visit the website https:// w w w. v a . g o v / c o l u m b i a – south-carolina-health-care/ and follow us on Facebook, X (@and)Instagram, keyword: VAColumbiaSC.
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The MHFA trainings are offered at no cost to participants. Since 2022, the BLEC has trained over 800 persons in either Adult MHFA or Youth MHFA.
“We are very proud that our Mental Health Awareness Training Initiative is making a difference in the various communities we serve,” said Dr. Cindye Richburg Cotton, BLEC executive director. “We are also thankful for a dedicated and committed staff who is ensuring the goals of the initiative are achieved.”
Reverend Dr. Jeffrey A. Howard is the project coordinator for the initiative and takes his responsibilities seriously.
“It is critically important that the public is aware of mental health issues and the potential challenges faced by families impacted by mental illness,” Dr. Howard said.
The statistics are alarming. Suicide rates in South Carolina increased 19 percent between 2009 and 2018, growing from 13.4 to 15.9 deaths per 100,000 population. To address these figures, the initiative has a three-prong approach.
First, it provides mental health first aid for adults with the skills to identify and respond to signs of mental health and substance use
issues among other adults. Participants learn how to recognize early signs of mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression, psychosis, and addictions, and how to provide initial support.
Second, youth mental health first aid equips adults, including parents, teachers, and caregivers, with the tools to support adolescents aged 12-18 facing mental health challenges or crises. Participants learn about common mental health issues in youth, such as anxiety, depression, and eating disorders, along with typical adolescent development. The training emphasizes a 5-step action plan for assisting young people in crisis and non-crisis situations.
Third, mental health first aid for teens teaches teens in grades 10-12, or ages 15-18, the skills to recognize and respond to mental health and substance use issues among their peers. The training
is designed to empower teens with awareness and actionable steps, conducted inperson through six 45-minute sessions or three 90-minute sessions.
For more information about the mental health first aid trainings, please contact Dr. Jeffrey Howard at 803- 744-1961 (Office) or 803-445- 7548 (Mobile) or by email at jhoward@brookland.cc.
