October 21, 2025

Every day, thousands of South Carolinians face challenges with mental health. More than one in five adults* in the state experience a mental health condition each year and children often struggle in silence, dealing with stress, anxiety or trauma. From students in schools to adults managing serious mental illnesses, having the right support can make all the difference. The BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina Foundation* supports programs that connect people to the care they need. These programs help to reduce mental health crises, improve quality of life and build healthier communities.

Building a Future with School-Based Mental Health

Students spend much of their day at school, making schools a natural place for mental health support. Across South Carolina, university programs are training the next generation of professionals to provide care where it is needed most. These programs develop a sustainable school mental health workforce pathway to meet the tiered mental health needs of children. Both undergraduate and graduate students are trained to provide counseling in K-12 settings, help develop coping strategies and support young people in managing stress and anxiety before challenges grow into crises.

By introducing mental health services in schools, children gain access to early intervention, which research shows can improve academic outcomes, reduce absenteeism and lower the risk of long-term mental health challenges. Preparing students for careers in school-based mental health also helps address the statewide shortage of trained mental health professionals, ensuring more children and families have access to the care they need.

Recovery That Works: MIRCI’s Impact

The Mental Illness Recovery Center, Inc. (MIRCI)* supports adults living with serious mental illness, helping them manage daily life while reducing the need for costly hospital care. For clients enrolled at MIRCI:

• Inpatient hospitalizations dropped 37 percent in the year following program entry.
• Emergency department visits fell 43 percent.
• Combined, this saved significant amounts in hospital charges.

These reductions aren’t just numbers, they reflect clients gaining stability, learning to manage symptoms and building independence. MIRCI’s structured support, safe housing and personalized case management help people live fuller, healthier lives. By providing resources and guidance in a consistent, compassionate setting, MIRCI enables individuals to thrive while easing the burden on the healthcare system.

Protecting Children Through Advocacy and Early Intervention

Childhood trauma can leave lasting effects, but programs in South Carolina are making a difference. The South Carolina Infant Mental Health Association (SCIMHA)* provides training and professional development to child-serving professionals, ensuring infants and young children receive high-quality, culturally sensitive mental health care. SCIMHA supports early childhood mental health by equipping home visitors, educators and other professionals with skills to build resiliency and address stress in children under five.

The South Carolina Network of Childhood Advocacy Centers (SCNCAC)* works to prevent abuse and provide comprehensive support when it occurs. These centers connect children and families to counseling, medical care and legal services, helping young children and families heal with coordinated care. Together, SCIMHA and SCNCAC offer a network of support, from early intervention to advocacy, strengthening families and fostering safer communities.

Why These Programs Matter

Mental health workers, trained professionals and supportive programs are critical to building healthier communities. Programs like school-based mental health initiatives, MIRCI, SCIMHA and SCNCAC demonstrate that:

• Access to early support prevents crises.
• Professional care improves outcomes.
• Program participation makes a real, measurable difference in lives and communities.

Reducing emergency interventions, hospitalizations and other costly services, these programs provide a clear return on investment. In South Carolina, mental health challenges are real, but so is the impact of well-designed, community-based programs. Supporting mental health workers and services changes lives, strengthens families and improves the health and well-being of communities across the state.

Get Involved and Learn More

Whether you’re considering a career in mental health, supporting a loved one, or simply learning more about these programs, the BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina Foundation helps support those programs that connect people with the resources that work. Together, we can make mental health care accessible, effective and life-changing for everyone in South Carolina.

*This is a link to a third-party website. That organization is responsible for the content and privacy policy on its site.