Spring Newsletter
Greetings Coalition Members!
May is Mental Health Awareness Month!
During the month of May we recognize Mental Health Awareness Month to increase awareness about how mental health impacts the overall health and well-being of all people. We are facing an unprecedented mental health crisis that is affecting people of all ages, socio-economic status, and demographic backgrounds. According to our partners of Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) nearly 1 in 4 adults report having a mental health illness, and 20 percent of adolescents age 12-17 report having a major depressive episode (2024). Every 11 minutes, a life is lost to suicide, highlighting the importance of mental health awareness across all age groups.
Our partners at Spartanburg Area Mental Health Center are working hard to raise awareness and improve mental health outcomes for community members of all ages. Through their FOCUS initiative, evidence based strategies are used to provide an array of mental health services for Spartanburg County youth.
Stacey Ballentine serves as Project Director for FOCUS, and is an active member of the Live Healthy Spartanburg Resilient Children & Families Committee. One of the priority areas of FOCUS is the CAFÉ Center, which stands for Child, Adolescent, and Family Engagement. In Spartanburg, the CAFÉ Center is located at 358 B Serpentine Drive. The center serves children experiencing a mental health crisis can receive support that includes therapy, diagnostic assessment, prescriptive services, and care coordination. These services provide families with an alternative to hospital emergency rooms and help reduce the need for overnight hospitalizations.
Ballentine believes that the CAFÉ centers, which are overseen by the Spartanburg Area Mental Health Center, are making an impact, and she’s eager to help raise greater awareness about their mission.
“I appreciate knowing that this resource is accessible to community members and free of charge,” she said. “And it’s rewarding to help families understand that they are not going through this alone.”
Anyone in need of immediate crisis assistance can call or text the Suicide Hotline at 988, any hour of the day, 365 days a year.
United Way of the Piedmont Behavioral Health Resource Guide Community Conversations: Mental Health Awareness & Resources -Thursday May 30, 2024 9:00am- 10:00am
National Walking Day
Live Healthy Spartanburg started Spring on the right foot by commemorating National Walking Day on April 3rd at the Mary Black Rail Trail. This day is recognized on the first Wednesday of April annually. The event was a huge success with the participation of over 20 partners, and collectively, we achieved an impressive milestone of over 30,000 steps within the first hour! It was truly inspiring to see the community come together to prioritize health and well-being through the simple act of walking.
Our partners at the American Heart Association report that walking at least 30 minutes a day can help to prevent heart disease and lower stress. We encourage all Spartanburg County residents to use our trail systems as well as city and county parks and recreation centers to stay active.
Learn where you can get active here in Spartanburg at the links provided below!
Minority Health Month
During April, Live Healthy Spartanburg and numerous coalition partners commemorated Minority Health Awareness Month. Each year, we take a moment to raise awareness about the disproportionate burden of health disparities present among racial and ethnic minority groups, as well as American Indian/Alaska Native communities. This event serves as a reminder that there is ongoing work needed to achieve health equality for all, inspiring us to actively work towards reducing these inequalities. Although there is significant work to do to improve the health and wellbeing of minority populations our partners of Blk+Healthy are making innovative efforts to do so.
Jasmine Gilliam is the founder and curator of the health and wellness expo. Blk+Healthy's mission is to encourage healthier lifestyle habits by providing the resources of majority black owned businesses, organizations and occupations that focuses on Health & Wellness in the black community in Upstate South Carolina. "I love connecting people," Gilliam said. "It's great seeing business people connect at our events and realize that they are collaborating in ways that promote community health."
Blk+Healthy has several upcoming events coming up, including the Southside Run Club 5k scheduled for Saturday June 8th from 9am-11am at 101 Fretwell Street in Spartanburg.
Learn about Blk+ Healthy and see how you can get involved and donate here!
Have you met our Resident Leaders!
Tammie Holbert
Southside Resident
I inspire others to #LiveHealthy by educating them from my perspective on Type II diabetes. I have lost weight, I eat much healthier, and get plenty of exercise. I inspire others to be more proactive with their healthcare and gain all the resources they need to live a healthier lifestyle.
Tana Koudelka
Inman Resident
I believe that I inspire others to #LiveHealthy by being active in my community. My sister and I enjoy walking in Inman, using local parks, tennis courts, and hiking park trails. We enjoy participating in runs (as walkers), community craft events, libraries, and local events in our neighborhoods.
Freddie Smith
Highland Resident
I believe that educating residents to get yearly check-ups and letting them know early detection is a key factor to #LivingHealthy. One major problem within our community is lack of health insurance .
Kathy Williams-Miller
Cedar Springs Resident
I inspire others to #LiveHealthy by sharing my journey of " eating to live, not living to eat", selecting healthier food options that are not processed. I encourage others to visit the doctor and dentist regularly for preventative care and find a medical home if they do not have one.
Upcoming Community Events!
We are excited to partner with the Greater Spartanburg Divine Nine, and many other community partners to host the Annual Community Health Awareness Day for the second year on Saturday June 1, 2024 from 8am to 1pm at Carver Middle School located at 467 S Church Street in Spartanburg. The event will kick-off with a 5k Health Awareness Walk. Afterwards attendees will have access to a FREE healthy breakfast provided by Denny's, FREE health screenings, FREE lunch from Lean Kitchen Spartanburg, and FREE entertainment for all ages. You don't want to miss this jam packed event.
Register here so we know you are coming!
Follow us on Facebook to learn more!
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