Columbia, SC – The SC Department of Mental Health (SCDMH) and the Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services (DAODAS) are sponsoring a Youth Leadership Recognition Rally Saturday, Sept. 27, 2008 The Rally will be held at Saluda Shoals Park River Center, 5605 Bush River Road, Columbia, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.
The rally is part of a statewide media campaign entitled, Get the Conversation Started. The campaign promotes awareness on how to get the conversation started about healthy and successful living for youth and to celebrate and recognize the accomplishments of these youth in developing initiatives to help parents and others to discuss and become aware of the signs for problems that youth face, including depression, suicide, eating disorders, bullying, peer pressure, and substance use and abuse in their communities.
Keynote speaker will be Judi Gatson, anchorwoman with WIS-TV. Known for her community involvement, she is a passionate supporter of positive youth initiatives in the city. To register, or for more information, contact Eric Bellamy at (803) 898-8654.
The Department of Mental Health serves approximately 103,000 citizens including 33,000 children and adolescents with mental illnesses. The Department provides outpatient services through a network of seventeen community mental health centers and numerous clinics. It also operates four psychiatric hospitals as well as three nursing centers, including two for veterans.
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