Are residents content living in Kershaw County?

How do residents perceive their sense of community belonging as it relates to mental health and overall well-being?

Data was obtained from the County Health Rankings and Roadmaps Database for 2018-2023. This data represents the percentage of adults reporting 14 or more days of poor mental health per month (age-adjusted). County Health Rankings used data reported in the BRFSS and the CDC PLACES Project. 

Are things getting better? Are things getting worse? Are things staying the same?

From 2018 to 2020 13% of Kershaw County residents reported experiencing 14 or more days of poor mental health per month. This percentage increases to 16% in 2021 and then decreases to 15% in 2022 and then increases back to 16% in 2023. As of 2023, Kershaw County has the same reported percentage of residents reporting 14 or more days of poor mental health and is higher than the U.S. average of 14%.

What are different groups experiencing?

15% of non-Hispanic White residents in Kershaw County report experiencing 14 or more days of poor mental health per month compared to the 9.5% non-Hispanic Black residents reporting 14 or more days of poor mental health per month.

Female residents in Kershaw County (16.9%), report higher rates of adults experiencing 14 or more poor mental health days in the past month when compared to male residents (12.8%). Male residents in Kershaw County report higher rates of experiencing 14 or more poor mental health days in the past month (12.8%) when compared to the state average (11.2%). 

Engaging in the “Story Behind the Curve” process encourages us to better understand the supporting and contextual data associated with the specific result we are working to achieve as well as the related indicators. This analysis allows us to identify both positive and negative factors that influence the established baseline trend, identify partners to engage with, and develop strategies that would help us to “Turn the Curve,” in the direction that helps us achieve the desired results identified by each workgroup with the goal to improve the overall well-being of Kershaw County residents. 

What factors are pushing up on the data?
The Mental Health Workgroup identified a number of factors that are negatively influencing the data. Some of these factors include:

• Prevalence of Depression

• Weak Sense of Community Belonging 

• Isolation 

• Lack of Social Connections 

• Social Media Use 

• Reliance on Technology 

• Remote/Hybrid Work Models

Source: SC DHEC BRFSS, 5-year average

Source: SC DHEC BRFSS, 2011-2021

Source: SC DHEC BRFSS, 2011-2021

What factors are pushing down on the data?

The Mental Health Workgroup identified a number of factors that are positively influencing the data. Some of these factors include:

• Mental Health First Aid Training 

• Workplace Wellness Initiatives 

• Informal Support Groups/Peer Support Models  

• Mental Health Screening Tools During Health Care Visits 

The Mental Health Workgroup identified the following community partners and organizations as integral components of the ongoing development and implementation of the 2023 Kershaw County Community Health Improvement Plan. These partners play a crucial role in ensuring that all residents of Kershaw County are mentally healthy. 

What partners should we engage to address the factors?

• SC Thrive

• SC SHARE 

• Kershaw County Government

• Kershaw County Library 

• MUSC

• SC DMH 

• ALPHA Center 

• Community Medical Clinic 

• Access Kershaw 

• NAMI

• Kershaw County School District 

• Kershaw County Chamber of Commerce 

• Churches/Faith-Based Organizations

The Mental Health Workgroup identified the following strategy areas for the 2023 Kershaw County Community Health Improvement Plan to work towards all residents of Kershaw County being mentally healthy. 
 

• Strategy Area 1: Community-Wide Education and Messaging about Mental Health and Local Resources

• Strategy Area 2: Strengthen Capacity to Connect People to Resources and Care After a Crisis or Emergency 

• Strategy Area 3: Mental Health Training for Partner Organizations and Community Members

• Strategy Area 4: Suicide Prevention Training and Education

• Strategy Area 5: Strengthen and Sustain Training and Crisis Response Efforts in Law Enforcement 

• Strategy Area 6: Support Peer Support Models 

• Strategy Area 7: Support Harm Reduction Initiatives