Conway Medical Center (CMC) has received a $350,000 grant from The Duke Endowment to increase access to mental health and addiction services in Horry County.
The Endowment grant will be used to expand the Breaking Barriers of Mental Health program of the United Way of Horry County (UWHC). The program started in 2022 and CMC will partner with UWHC to assist with providing referrals to the program.
Breaking Barriers fulfills the need for professional mental health and addiction services specifically designed for the population that has the least access to the services. The program provides free, outpatient mental health and substance use disorder counseling services to the homeless, uninsured, underinsured, low to moderate-income, and rural population of Horry County. Currently, those services are provided to clients of the following organizations: Coastal High School, Friendship Medical Clinic, J. Reuben Long Detention Center, New Directions Men’s Shelter and Women’s Shelter, North Strand Housing Shelter, Fresh Brewed Coffee House, Shepherd’s Table, and The Center for Counseling and Wellness offices in Loris and North Myrtle Beach.
“CMC has seen an increase in the need for patients and people in the community to have access to mental health resources, treatment and prevention,” said Dr. Paul Richardson, CMC chief medical officer. “Financial barriers and insurance play a major role in access to healthcare, Breaking Barriers provides mental health resources to those most vulnerable at no cost, regardless of income or insurance. The counselors in the program are embedded in facilities where the underserved and uninsured populations have better access to receiving care.”
With this grant, Breaking Barriers will have counselors available more days at specific locations, as well as increase the number of clients they’re able to serve. They also plan to find additional locations where counselors can meet with clients.
“One of United Way of Horry County’s Bold Goals is to decrease the number of suicide attempts and ideations and drug overdoses in our county,” said Blakely Roof, president and CEO of United Way of Horry County. “The demand for these critical services has risen dramatically, and this funding will help us ensure that no one is left without the support they deserve. At a time when mental health challenges are becoming more prevalent, this grant will allow us to make a significant impact in our community by offering compassionate, accessible care to all.”
“We certainly appreciate the ongoing support of The Duke Endowment,” said Brian Argo, CMC president and CEO. “With this grant, CMC will continue our mission of improving access to healthcare for all populations and across our community.”
Based in Charlotte and established in 1924 by industrialist and philanthropist James B. Duke, The Duke Endowment is a private foundation that strengthens communities in North Carolina and South Carolina by nurturing children, promoting health, educating minds and enriching spirits. Since its founding, it has distributed $4.8 billion in grants. The Endowment shares a name with Duke University and Duke Energy, but all are separate organizations.
