Marlboro County Coordinating Council and Empower Marlboro County will host a Mental Health and Family Wellness Summit on Friday, Nov. 12, at the Bennettsville Community Center.
The event is 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. for the community and 1 to 3 p.m. for activities for the children, adolescents, and parents. “Many families have experienced mental health-related issues such as stress, anger, fear, boredom, financial loss, sickness and the loss of loved ones due to the COVID pandemic” according to Rep. Patricia Moore Henegan, who serves as the chair of the MCCC.
Representative Henegan further stated, “This summit will provide techniques on how best to support our own mental health and provide support for our children since so many youth identify anxiety and depression as the top problem impacting them.”
Professional consultants will talk about mental health and wellness, domestic violence, the resources available for families impacted by COVID, children, and adolescents on social media safety practices, as well as what parents need to know about Vaping.
Activities for children, adolescents and parents will include SPROUT, STEM, STORI, Arts for Young Ones, and Family and Nutrition.
Joe Bittle, chief of community health at CareSouth Carolina and EMC Chair said, “This event is one of many collaborative events that are being planned to support communities by sharing resources and supporting children and families.”
He commended the South Carolina Children’s Trust for the support they have given us to receive funding to support our endeavors.
In attendance will be more than 35 vendors to include: CareSouth Carolina, McLeod Healthcare, Scotland Healthcare, Pee Dee Coalition Against Domestic Violence, SC Works, SC Legal Aid, Dillon County Long Term Recovery, McArthur’s Farm, Clemson Extension Services, Fitness World, Cancer Alliance Health Equity, Trinity Behavior Health, Diaper Day Give Away, Welvista, Marlboro First Steps, Tea Time for Teens, Highway to Hope, Pee Dee Healthy Start, Man2Man Fatherhood Initiative, NETC, Tri-County Mental Health, Chesterfield-Marlboro EOC, Plant Based Foods, NAACP, Marlboro-Chesterfield Counties Benefit Bank, Marlboro County School District, Center for Family & Community Wellness, Inc., Nurse Family Partnership, South Carolina Vocational Rehabilitation, Marian Wright Edelman Library and so many more.
Individuals will be able to take their flu shot, first, second, or booster COVID vaccinations. A delicious box lunch from McArthur’s Farms will be provided.
Each family will receive a box of food, a Salad Spinner and a Cruet salad dressing mixer. Drawings will be held for many gifts to include two 55-inch televisions, gift cards, as well as several monitors and educational games.
“Only individuals attending will be eligible for gifts. No exception. We look forward to seeing each of you,” Henegan said.