Fiscal Year 2023 Capital Assistance for Hurricane Response and Recovery Efforts (CARE) - Rural Health Services, Inc. (RHS), a non-profit community health center, has been providing accessible, affordable, high-quality, patient-focused primary health care to residents of Aiken County, South Carolina, as well as surrounding areas, since 1978. Services include comprehensive primary and preventative care, behavioral health, and oral health services. RHS has three service sites throughout Aiken County: Clyburn Center for Primary Care (Central Aiken), Margaret J. Weston Center (North Augusta), and Family Health Center (South Aiken-New Ellenton). RHS also operates multiple mobile health units to reach various populations in Aiken County. In 2019, RHS served 16,500 total patients. RHS serves a largely low-income and uninsured population. Of patients with known incomes served in 2019, 98.8% lived at or below 200% of the federal poverty line, and 88.5% lived with incomes at or below 100% of the federal poverty line. Rural Health Services’ location in Aiken County uniquely places it at a crossroads between two states and both urban and rural communities. Rural Health Services provides behavioral health services for both adults and children. During 2016-2019, the annual average prevalence of past-year Major Depressive Episodes in South Carolina among youth aged 12-17 was 13.2%, like the regional and national average (Behavioral Health Barometer, SAMHSA, 2020). During 2017-2019, the annual state average prevalence of serious thoughts of suicide was 5%, like both the regional and national average (Behavioral Health Barometer, SAMHSA, 2020). On average, 1 South Carolinian dies by suicide every 11 hours (SC Strategy for Suicide Prevention 2018-2025, SC Dept of Mental Health). This project aims to implement an expanded behavioral health clinic at 1021 York St NE as a part of Rural Health Services, a community health center in Aiken, South Carolina. The project involves minor alterations and renovations to upfit an existing building owned by Rural Health Services, enhancing its capacity to provide comprehensive behavioral health services to the community. By enhancing the accessibility and capacity of the clinic, individuals experiencing mental health challenges will have increased opportunities for early intervention, effective treatment, and holistic support. Ultimately, this project aims to improve the overall well-being and quality of life for residents in the Aiken area, positively impacting the community's health outcomes.
