Apr 20, 2021 | News
It has now been a year since the initial steps to slow the pandemic were implemented. We asked our Focus on the Future panelists if the pandemic impacted immediate events and investments within their organization, the current status of the economy within their sector and what they see as potential long-term impacts resulting from the pandemic and economic crisis.
Has your business or organization postponed a major investment or event over the last year? If so, are you looking at moving forward with it in the coming months? What are some of the factors behind your plans?
Our law firm has not postponed anything. As a legislator, I stopped any public events. I plan to venture out in the public more now that I am vaccinated. However, I am still concerned about being a spreader considering how many people I meet. The studies look promising and I hope it becomes fact that once vaccinated, the risk is low to be a spreader. – Neal Collins, SC House of Representatives
Not major investments, but we eliminated several significant GADC in-person events like groundbreakings, industry announcements and investor meetings. We announced several benchmark projects in 2020 that weren’t given the normally enthusiastic “Welcome to Greenville”. We look forward to the chance to gather in person again and will follow state and local recommendations and safety protocols. – Mark Farris, Greenville Area Development Corporation (GADC)
Angie Gossett, Greenville Regional Marketing Director, BCBS of SC
Our business had to postpone a large meeting event for our brokers and our groups as it was an in person event last year that was to occur right around the same time that the state was shutting down due to the pandemic. This year we decided to make the event virtual and found that we had more attendees then when we held the event in person, due to the fact that it was easier for the companies to allow more of their staff to attend since they did not have to travel or take a whole day away from work for the event. We had a lot of people who indicated they missed seeing everyone in person, however, they also really felt that holding it in this way allowed them to include staff who would have otherwise not been able to attend. This could be something we will handle in a similar format in the future. – Angie Gossett, BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina
Kelly McWhorter, Discover Greenwood
Our organization was looking at a project that was going to require a significant investment from our budget. Just like so many destination marketing organizations, the reduction in travel due to COVID caused this decision to be postponed in the interest of saving money, etc. There are plans to revisit this project in the near future. – Kelly McWhorter, Discover Greenwood
We have our Annual Oyster Roast, our largest fundraiser, each November. We did not host this event in 2020, but we have it scheduled for Thursday, November 4, 2021. This event is hosted outside, with a typical attendance of approx. 600 guests. We have not discussed any changes for 2021, but the planning committee will definitely monitor the environment over the next few months. – Amanda Munyan, Laurens County Chamber of Commerce
We canceled all of our events in Carolina Wren Park. That was difficult for our community because it is a gathering place for entertainment, fellowship and fun. It was great seeing people in the park for our Holliday Ice season in December. Our plans are to roll out other event throughout the remainder of the year. It will be different because of the pandemic but it will be good to get back to our routines. – Terence Roberts, Mayor, City of Anderson
Liz Seman, Chief of Staff, Furman University; Greenville County Council member
Like many organizations, all of the major events at Furman, including fall sports, were either postponed or converted to an online format when appropriate. It is certainly different playing football in the spring and we miss having capacity crowds in the stands, but we are grateful that our student athletes have an opportunity to showcase their talents in a safe environment. We remain optimistic for Fall of 2021 and look forward to welcoming fans back to campus very soon! – Liz Seman, Furman University & Greenville County Council
Minor Shaw, Chairperson, GSP Airport Commission
COVID has caused delays in every organization in which I am involved. As Chairman of the GSP Airport Commission, I have witnessed the incredible negative impact that COVID has had on the aviation industry. At GSP, we have had to delay several major projects, including our new parking garage. Some of our projects will move forward this coming year but others – like the parking garage – will be delayed until travel returns to normal levels. I have also noticed that COVID and the lack of in person meetings has caused delays in strategic discussions in some organizations. It is much more effective to be together in person for important discussions. – Minor Shaw, Chairperson, GSP Airport Commission
Stephen Taylor, Abbeville County Economic Development Partnership
We had to postpone a job fair that we had planned right at the beginning of the pandemic. Most of the companies that were planning to exhibit at the job fair were able to advertise online for the positions that they needed to fill. We have held our monthly Board meetings online. – Stephen Taylor, Abbeville County Economic Development Partnership
Would you say that the general economic state of your sector today is better/same/worse than at this time a year ago (pre-pandemic)? How would you characterize your level of economic optimism within your sector for the remainder of 2021? Please explain.
Speaking from my perspective on county council, I would say that Oconee County’s general economic state is slightly worse than this time a year ago, but not clearly so. Unemployment is higher, but there are a good many open positions seeking employees. While the hospitality sector has taken a substantial hit over the last year, several new restaurants and hotels opened in the past twelve months. Real estate prices are near or above all-time highs. Home construction has been extremely busy, due in part to the EF-3 tornado that battered our community on April 13, 2020, while building material prices and trade labor rates are extremely high. As we have continued to invest in infrastructure and plan for the future, I am optimistic and confident that Oconee County (and all of Upstate South Carolina) will continue to grow. – Paul Cain, Oconee County Council
Neal Collins, SC House of Representatives
It is tough to say whether the economic state is better/same/worse. It depends on what lens one is looking through. However, I am grateful that the economic impact was not worse that it was. I am optimistic that the future is bright, especially in South Carolina, despite going through a pandemic. – Neal Collins
Our job is to recruit new business and industry to Greenville, as well as help local companies in their plans for growth and expansion. While we had a great year in 2020 for capital investment, total job creation was below average. Many companies used this downturn as an opportunity to invest in more efficient machinery and equipment and that sometimes makes workers redundant. I would rank the level of optimism for 2021 as generally higher than normal but fragile. Any additional risks introduced into the market might have a negative compound effect for a recovering global economy. – Mark Farris
David Feild, Market President, Colliers International
I think its worth noting that the Commercial Real Estate (CRE) Market, particularly in Upstate SC, is extremely well-positioned. Over the past year many of the more negative narratives related to CRE have been based on data from the larger markets such as San Francisco, Chicago, Boston, etc. Our area Office, Industrial and even Retail product categories have had much less vacancy and less negative pressure than other areas of the country over the year. In some categories, we are already growing again as a result of being in a part of the Country people want to be, in business-friendly South Carolina, and in the Upstate particularly. – David Feild, Colliers International
Our economic state has certainly seen some declining changes in revenue due to COVID; however, there’s a strong level of optimism as we encourage safe travel and safely executed events that we hope will continue to gain momentum in the 3rd and 4th quarters of 2021. – Kelly McWhorter
Amanda Munyan, Laurens County Chamber of Commerce
As a Chamber of Commerce, a member-based organization, we have lost quite a few members over the past few months which is never a good thing. However, we have pivoted our work and our focus over the past few months and I feel like our Chamber is stronger than ever. I feel very optimistic that our community, including business owners appreciate the valuable work we are doing and will support our efforts if possible. We also have a good amount of potential growth on the horizon in our County and I am optimistic this will help us all become stronger and more successful. – Amanda Munyan
I am involved in several philanthropic foundations and organizations both in North and South Carolina. The sectors we serve – the non-profit community, in particular – have suffered tremendously during COVID. Many have been in a crisis situation. Because they are in crisis, the people they serve are also in crisis. The sectors of our society served by philanthropic organizations are definitely in a worse economic state than before COVID and will continue to be in a difficult position during the rest of 2021 and, also, 2022. COVID has shown all of us the great disparities and needs in this community. I am encouraged by how well the philanthropic community, the non-profits, foundations, individuals, and our government came together to help people and organizations in crisis. It is important for our community to continue to rally together to help all of our citizens have a better quality of life. COVID has accentuated the issues that so many people in our community are facing daily. – Minor Shaw
Tim Todd, Executive Director of Discover Upcountry Carolina Association
The travel & tourism industry in our area is a bit of a mixed bag. Certain businesses such as bed & breakfasts, cabins, vacation rental properties, boat rentals, campgrounds, parks, outdoor outfitters, and fishing guides have done very well during the past year and have had record-breaking business in some cases. The restaurants, larger hotels/lodging properties, and group venues have struggled greatly. At this point, with vaccinations being administered and with COVID-19 positive cases declining, we are optimistic that business will continue to make gradual increases for the remainder of 2021. – Tim Todd, Discover Upcountry
Is there a long-term impact from the pandemic and economic crisis that your organization is still addressing? If so, how are you engaging and for how long do you foresee it being an issue?
Paul Cain, Oconee County Council
With all of the turmoil that has gone on in our county, state, and nation, we have all been under more stress than usual. Mental health is probably the most over-looked health crisis in our country. Realizing this was a big problem, Oconee County Administrator, Amanda Brock, implemented a program to provide mental health counseling free of charge to all county employees (the co-pay is waived until further notice). This program removes one of the barriers that may prevent someone from seeking help, and a number of employees have already started to take advantage of the program. – Paul Cain
As a legislator, I do not see a long-term impact for the “organization.” If we are talking about impact from the pandemic, from education to economy to health, of course there will be significant long-term impact that legislators will be dealing with for years. – Neal Collins
Mark Farris, Greenville Area Development Corporation (GADC)
A large part of Greenville’s economy is manufacturing-based and therefore seemingly more resilient during the pandemic than some areas of SC whose focus may be retail and commercial or even tourist-related. However, I think we realized very quickly how many people were employed in hotels and restaurants in our area as unemployment peaked at 12.2% in May of 2020. Now back down to about 3.6%, it may take years for our visitor and convention activity to rebound to pre-pandemic levels. – Mark Farris
Yes, we have a tremendous litter problem. This was a huge concern pre-Covid, but it has steadily increased over the past months, potentially due to the impact of Covid life, more fast food, less community gatherings for pickups, etc. We have many passionate people that have been addressing this issue in the past, but now more than ever, we need a collaborative effort blanketing the entire County. We are working with leadership across the County to create a plan to combat this issue now and in the coming years. – Amanda Munyan
Terence Roberts, Mayor of Anderson and Chair of Ten at the Top
The city’s economy is strong and we have more than a handful of developments under construction in the downtown business district. New home construction in robust throughout the city. I sense that more families are relocating to our city because of the workforce opportunities and quality of life arena. I continue to be very optimistic. – Terence Roberts
The effects of COVID have been particularly hard on the aviation industry. GSP has certainly felt the effects of the economic downturn. We have had to make adjustments in our food service choices due to fewer passengers; we have had to close one of our garages due to fewer people parking cars at the airport and we have had to suspend valet parking, among other things. We have put a number of construction projects on hold. The aviation industry estimates that it will be about three years before traffic is back to normal. We are bringing back our services for our passengers as quickly as we can!! – Minor Shaw
Paige Stephenson, United Way of Piedmont
Pre-COVID much of our workplace fundraising was conducted in-person. In response, we have embraced a digital first strategy for workplace fundraising where possible. An online giving platform combined with videos and other digital content are provided to make it easier to reach employees with the message without relying on large gatherings. I foresee this remaining the core strategy in healthcare settings for the foreseeable future and believe it will be a key component even when in-person meetings are possible. – Paige Stephenson, United Way of the Piedmont
Click here to visit the Focus on the Future webpage to view previous questions and responses!
Apr 20, 2021 | News
It was the best of times. It was the worst of times.
With apologies to Charles Dickens, that pretty much sums up all of 2020 for the Greenville Drive.
The year started with such promise as our 15th anniversary season was all set to spring into action. Events, celebrations, stadium upgrades were all planned and ready to go.
And then March came and, well, you know the rest.
But now it’s 2021. And baseball is back. Let’s say that again. Baseball is back. And we couldn’t be more excited.
Now, given the pandemic, the 2021 Drive season won’t be 100% as they were, at least to start. Initially, we’ll operate Fluor Field at a 50% capacity consistent with South Carolina guidelines. The hope is that this number grows as the vaccine gets into more arms and the virus diminishes. Like the rest of Major & Minor League baseball, masks will be required and social distancing rules in place.
We’ll also introduce a cool new app – sEATz – that allows you to order food and drinks from your seat and have your order delivered right to you. No more waiting in line while the guy in front of you debates the merits of Cracker Jacks versus popcorn.
We’ve added a new chicken concession called the Fowl Pole so that your chicken cravings can be satisfied deliciously.
We’ll offer plenty of hand sanitizing stations and you can rest assured that the stadium will remain sparkling clean. That’s been important to us since Opening Day in 2006, and anyone’s who’s ever visited the stadium understands that cleanliness is a creed we adhere to.
But here’s what we want you to know more than anything else. Since Day 1, the Greenville Drive and the Upstate community have been there for each other. As far as the team goes, we’ve done our best to contribute to many of our community’s most important causes, from education to health care, to job growth and training, to our hometown heroes, to so much more.
And we’ve tried to make you proud by offering the Upstate a first-class, award-winning facility that is the envy of towns our size—and even larger—throughout the country. We’ve contributed to the revitalization of our amazing downtown and it couldn’t make us prouder to have played that role.
Since our inception, you’ve shown up in droves. You’ve filled the stadium with your loyalty, your spirit, your cheers, your passion and your appreciation. We’ve noticed. Oh, how we’ve noticed. From so many of you wearing Drive gear around town, to the number of season ticket holders we have, to those of you who come to 5 or 6 games a year, we’ve noticed. Even last year with no baseball season, you stuck with us and showed your support in so many meaningful ways.
There’s a recurring phrase in the movie, “The Field of Dreams.”
“If you build it, they will come.”
Well, we didn’t want to just build it, we wanted to build it beautifully and purposefully, and with the long-term in mind. And guess what? You came. And now we’re celebrating our 15th season with you.
Even though last year was, well, last year, we know you’ll be back because nothing can keep a wonderful place like the Upstate of South Carolina down. Not a virus. Not anything. We know you’ll be there for us again, and it’s something we’ll never take for granted.
Baseball is back.
Opening Night at Fluor Field on Tuesday May 4th.
Apr 16, 2021 | News
Welcome by Terence Roberts, TATT Chairman
Special Guest Speaker
Scott Carr, Vice President-Commercial Business & Communications, GSP International Airport
See presentation here. Watch meeting video recap here.
County Updates
Greenville – Kelley Barnhardt, Communications Specialist, Artisphere
May 7-9
Safe, small, and socially distanced this year with online ticketing for $5 for a 2.5 hour visit
Masks required and hand-washing stations with complete wipe down in between visits
105 artists in a variety of mediums
New this year is Wells Fargo Brushing Up Series with live artists, demo row, Spinx Kidsphere with drum percussion and Clemson Steam Exhibit
No food this year, but non-alcohol beverages available
Greenwood – Katie Davenport, Executive Director, Greenwood Promise
Tuition assistance since 2017
Pay “last dollar” at Piedmont Tech or other if course of study not available at Piedmont
Moving into capital campaign, phase two to branch out to more universities
Part of strategic plan to increase skilled workforce
Almost $300K in scholarships awarded to almost 400 students
Goal is to remove financial burden to those who have gone from K-12 in Greenwood County
Has surpassed enrollment and increased minority enrollment in post-secondary enrollment
Apr 7, 2021 | News
Special Event to be Hosted on April 15 Celebrating the Release of Upstate Business Leader’s Book
Upstate native and sales expert, John Sterling, is excited to officially announce the release of his book, Sales for Noobs: Everything Sales Rookies Need to Know to Crush Quota, Get Promoted, and Kick A$$. A book launch and signing will be held at The Lazy Goat on Thursday, April 15th from 5:00 to 7:00 pm. This event is open to the public and books will be available for purchase and author signing onsite.
As a sales trainer, manager, and serial entrepreneur, John is known for mentoring sales reps with zero business experience, so they become high-six- and seven-figure salespeople. John helped build software startup DataStream into a publicly traded company that sold to Infor for over $200 million. As Vice President of Sales, John and his team managed acquisitions in the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Argentina, Singapore, and Australia, becoming the biggest technology company in South Carolina. During that time, John hired and trained over 150 sales reps, sixty of whom are now business owners, CEOs, or Sales VPs. Currently, John is owner of and investor in technology companies in the Southern United States and consults with business owners and their sales teams to crush quota.
“Throughout my career, I have always enjoyed being a mentor to help new salespeople take the time to pick the best sales job for them and get started in the right way,” said, John Sterling, Author of Sales for Noobs. “This book was written specifically to give essential advice to everyone considering a sales career so they can get started like a rocket ship versus “limping in” to the sales arena.”
In Sales for Noobs: Everything Sale Rookies Need to Know to Crush Quota, Get Promoted, and Kick A$$, John shares the essential advice every sales “noob” or newbie needs to know to make sales a rewarding profession. Whether someone is going into sales right out of school, pivoting from another industry, or getting back into the workforce, Sales for Noobs teaches readers a proven process to build a profitable career they can enjoy.
Sales for Noobs: Everything Sale Rookies Need to Know to Crush Quota, Get Promoted, and Kick A$$, is available for online purchase directly through Amazon.
ABOUT SALES FOR NOOBS | John Sterling is the world’s foremost expert in transforming sales noobs into seasoned pros. As a sales trainer, manager, and serial entrepreneur, John is known for mentoring sales reps with zero business experience, so they become high six and seven figure salespeople. Take your sales team from noobs to pros at www.SalesTrainingforNoobs.com
To RSVP for this event, please email RSVP@smoakpr.com!
Apr 1, 2021 | News
Dr. Saria Saccocio, Ambulatory Chief Medical Officer, Prisma Health
Click here for the video recap. Click here to view the presentation.
Q: Is the 90-day safe zone after full vaccination likely to change as more data is available?
Prisma will pay close attention to as data becomes available. There will probably be a respiratory “season” when people get a flu and COVID booster.
Q: What is the outlook for booster needs for those that had the Pfizer vaccine?
Booster shots will hopefully be needed annually. With the flu, the more boosters received, the less likelihood there is of severe reaction. Note – studies are showing that the booster would not have to be the same brand as the initial shot(s).
Q: Does Prisma or DHEC track the volume of low-income SC residents who are receiving the vaccine?
Prisma is looking at parity and socio-economic status, although it must be collected by inference rather than direct data collection.
Q: Also, will we get a MyChart reminder if booster is needed?
Yes!
Q: Is there an expectation in the medical/scientific community that the mRNA vaccines will be more long lasting?
Hopefully, after side-by-side comparisons of efficacy rates.
Q: How will monoclonal antibody treatment be billed?
Fortunately, right now treatments are being paid for by the government, but soon they will be passed through to insurance companies. Prisma is concerned with access and equitable car and will continue to serve with compassion.
Q: Any update on international Covid response?
Europe locking down again. Canada still limiting travel. This is up to the federal government with some counties currently restricted on inbound U.S. travel. Due to variants, the best solution is continue to practice masking, social distancing, and getting vaccinated to reach herd immunity which is 70% of the population vaccinated.
Ten at the Top Updates
Introducing our TATT Reconnect Events! Join us for an open discussion April 16th at 9am. Hosts: Terence Roberts, Mayor, City of Anderson and Angie Gossett, Marketing Director, BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina
RSVP for this in-person event here:
http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?oeidk=a07ehs5tgxe28492ac9&llr=iwqthmdab
Upcoming Upstate Entrepreneur Ecosystem Events: https://tenatthetop.org/upstateentrepreneurecosystem/
4/15 at noon: eCommerce: Planning for Success, Presented by Piedmont SCORE: https://score.tfaforms.net/17?EventID=a105a000006v1Yx
4/20 at 3pm: Legislative Update with Policy Advisor to Senator Tim Scott
Guest Speaker: Kunal Parikh:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0qd-GurzspH9Rp0g_fSg6PDRljBz03cpnk
To scheduled your COVID vaccination: https://tenatthetop.org/news/covid/
Next TATT CHAT on 4/15: Latest News from GSP Airport with Scott Carr of GSP Airport https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYofuuhqz8iHdUWk6BBTjyls0ucfffJBe1l
County Updates Anderson County update: Stephan Jones, AnMed Health
- Since the first vaccine was given in December 2020 to first responders and Phase 1a, almost 35,000 doses have been given in Anderson County in conjunction with many other organizations, healthcare services, colleges, medical centers, etc.
- January was the first community vaccine at the Anderson County Civic Center (we have used that space since). DHEC has a clinic there on some days of the week, on the other days AnMed provides appointment-based vaccines through MyChart and by phone at 864-512-2897.
- Looking at pop-up clinics and how we can continue to support DHEC.
- Requesting the J&J vaccine that only requires one shot dose to reach hard to reach areas.
Spartanburg County update: Abby Russell, Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System
- SRHS serves Spartanburg County and some parts of Union and Cherokee Counties.
- Over 46K vaccines given.
- Community vaccine clinic started in January.
- Up to almost 900 vaccines daily.
- We are working hard to get everyone vaccinated.
- We have seen a huge decline of COVID, but we do have concerns about a new spike with Spring Break and Easter coming up.
- Around 50 inpatients which is a huge decrease from January’s 260.
- Moving some of the testing into immediate care centers (urgent care) in our area.
- We encourage everyone to get vaccinated but still wear masks and social distance; there have been some positive cases from vaccinated people.
Apr 1, 2021 | News
Jessica Varney, Executive Assistant to the Administrator, Pickens County
By Jessica Varney, Executive Assistant to the Administrator, Pickens County
“Are you thinking about killing yourself?” This question may seem inappropriate or uncomfortable to you (and a shocking way to begin an article in a newsletter); however, asking this difficult question has the potential to save a life. Studies show that the question itself does not increase suicides or suicidal thoughts. Experts in the field of mental health recommend asking directly about suicide. Put another way, if you’ve noticed warning signs, don’t ignore them. Caring enough to ask and being prepared to connect the individual with the proper care can make a big difference. The question is, what care options are available?
Identifying resources, gaps, and opportunities in our crisis care system is one of the objectives of the Crisis Intercept Map process. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), a federal agency under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and its Service Members, Veterans, and Families (SMVF) Technical Assistance (TA) Center at Policy Research Associates, Inc. designed and developed the Crisis Intercept Mapping process for SMVF Suicide Prevention to help communities strengthen the delivery of evidence-based suicide prevention policies and practices during the time period surrounding an episode of acute care when the risk of suicide is higher. Pickens County has been selected as one of 10 sites from across the country to participate in SAMHSA’s SMVF TA Center’s Crisis Intercept Mapping project this spring and is the first county in South Carolina to be chosen.
The Pickens County team consists of members in leadership at the local, regional, and state level and both military and civilian participants. Individuals on the team represent Prisma Health Baptist Easley, AnMed Health Cannon Hospital, Anderson-Oconee-Pickens Mental Health Clinic, Pickens County Behavioral Health, Samaritan’s Health Clinic, Pickens County Sheriff Office, Pickens County Emergency Services, Pickens County Veterans Affairs, American Legion Post 11, Upstate Warrior Solutions, Mental Health of America Greenville County, Clemson University, Easley First Baptist Church, National Alliance on Mental Illness, SC National Guard, South Carolina Department of Mental Health, and South Carolina Department of Veteran’s Affairs. We are honored to have the SC Secretary of Veterans’ Affairs, Major General William Grimsley, serving on our team. The South Carolina Governor’s Challenge Team to Prevent Suicide among SMVF is also supportive of this initiative, and several individuals serve on both teams. The Pickens County Council passed Resolution #2020-12 in support of suicide prevention among SMVF in September 2020 and is supportive of this process, with our County Council Chairman Chris Bowers serving on the team in a dual capacity since he is also a leader in the medical field.
According to the CDC, suicide is the 11th leading cause of death statewide. It is the third leading cause of death for ages 10-24, second leading cause of death for ages 25-34, and fourth leading cause of death for ages 35-44. We know that the military suicide rate is higher than the non-military suicide rate. The issue of suicide prevention is of high importance for Pickens County in particular. According to the latest data from SCDHEC, Pickens County has the highest combined five-year suicide death rate per 100,000 population in the state. Additional data provided by the South Carolina Violent Death Reporting System for 2003-2018 shows that in Pickens County a physical health problem was identified as the circumstance for 40.8% of the suicides among our military population, while a physical health problem was identified as the circumstance in 20.2% on our non-military population. A mental health problem was identified as the circumstance in 34.7% of military suicides and 38.9% on non-military suicides. Other circumstances identified include depressed mood, alcohol problem, intimate relationship issues, history of or current recipient of behavioral health treatment, non-alcohol-related substance abuse, civil legal problem, or other crisis. Military suicide deaths occurred by firearm in 67.4% of cases, by poisoning in 16.3%, and by hanging in 10.2%, compared to non-military suicide deaths by firearm in 51.6% of cases, by poisoning in 25.4%, and by hanging in 17.1%. Also, 28.6% of suicides with known military status disclosed intent within 30 days prior to injury. Implementing the elements of effective suicide prevention: screening, safety planning, lethal means safety, and supportive contacts, are vital to making a difference.
Within a community crisis system, there are four key “intercept points” that provide opportunities for diverting at-risk SMVF to appropriate and effective prevention and support services: First Contact, Acute Care, Care Transitions, and Ongoing Treatment and Recovery Support. Most military veterans do not receive health care through the VA system and instead seek care in community care settings. Unfortunately, many community providers do not consider themselves culturally competent about military and veteran populations. This program seeks to strengthen the partnerships among military and civilian stakeholders for optimal crisis care coordination between various services. Our CIM team is looking forward to seeing the completed Crisis Intercept Map for our community and how we will collaboratively implement our plan moving forward.
While the Crisis Intercept Map is focused on suicide prevention among SMVF, I am hopeful the progress made through this initiative will make our County even more prepared to address the need for suicide prevention for all of our citizens. Additionally, my very involvement in the SMVF CIM for suicide prevention is a testament to the fact that everyone can be part of the solution to the problem of suicide. I do not have a military background, and I do not have a medical background. Yet, here I am serving as the team lead for this project. I’m just a person who cares, and lots of caring people are needed to bridge these gaps and reach the people who are hurting or lonely. I invite you to access the resources available online from the SCDMH Office of Suicide Prevention, SAMHSA, NAMI, or other trusted sources to educate yourself so that you can also be an advocate for suicide prevention. Everyone has a role to play in preventing suicides. You don’t have to be an expert. You just have to care.
