1. SC DHEC Vital Statistics
2. SC DHEC EMS, 2021
3. SC RFA, 2021
4. SC DHEC Vital Statistics, 3-year average
5. SC DHEC Vital Statistics, 2016-2020 
6. SC Revenue and Fiscal Affairs Office

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

As depicted above, a steady increase is observed from 2016 to 2020. The number of deaths attributed to suicide and drug overdose in Kershaw County has increased steadily from 2016 (21.4 per 100,000 population) to 2020 (58.1 per 100,000 population). Looking at the two rates isolated from one another, the rate of deaths attributed to drug overdoses in Kershaw County has increased from 7.5 per 100,000 in 2015 to 42.8 per 100,000 in 2021 [1]. Compared to the state average of 43.8 per 100,000, Kershaw County had a slightly lower rate of deaths attributed to drug overdoses [1]. The rate of deaths attributed to suicide in Kershaw County increased from 14.6 per 100,000 population in 2010 to 17.6 per 100,000 population in 2019, positioning the county higher than the state rate of 16.0 per 100,000 [1].

Source: SC DHEC SCAN Database

Source: Just Plain Killers

Source: 2022 Kershaw County CHNA

What are different groups experiencing?

Looking at the rate for deaths attributed to suicide in Kershaw County disaggregated by race and ethnicity, non-Hispanic White residents demonstrate a higher rate of suicide at 22.5 per 100,000 compared to non-Hispanic Black residents at 10.0 per 100,000 [5]. Looking at the rate for deaths attributed to suicide in Kershaw County disaggregated by sex, male residents demonstrate a higher rate of suicide of 33.2 per 100,000 compared to female residents at 5.6 per 100,000 [5]. This positions the suicide rate for male residents in Kershaw County 26.7% higher than the state average of 26.3 per 100,000 [5].

Source: SC DHEC SCAN Database

Source: SC DHEC Vital Statistics 2017-2019

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:

• Stigma 

• Mental Health Provider Shortages 

• Insufficient Resources to “Meet Individuals Where They Are At”

• Resident Fear of Seeking Services 

• Insufficient Care Coordination/Referral System 

• Lack of “Wraparound Care”

• Clinical Care Delivery Models 

• Isolation 

• Lack of Family and Community Support 

• Unintentional Overdoses [Insert Data of Overdose Type]

• Increased Substance Use [Insert Data of Substance Use/Drinking]

In 2021, the rate of hospitalizations attributed to drug overdoses in Kershaw County was reported to be 117.8 per 10,000 population positioning Kershaw County to be higher than the state average of 85.3 per 100,000 and the county with the 8th highest rate of hospitalizations attributed to drug overdoses in the state [3]. The rate of deaths attributed to suicide in Kershaw County has increased from 14.6 per 100,000 in 2010 to 17.6 per 100,000 in 2019 positioning Kershaw County to be higher than the state average of 16.0 per 100,000 [4].  From 2016 to 2020, ED utilization for suicidal ideation/attempt/intentional self-harm has increased from 70 visits to 158 visits for female Kershaw County residents and from 54 to 107 for male Kershaw County Residents [6].

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:

• The Mobile Crisis Unit 

• Workplace Wellness Initiatives 

• Peer Support Offered Through NAMI 

• Law Enforcement Investment in Officer Education/Training 

• Mental Health First Aid Training 

In 2021, the rate of naloxone administrations in Kershaw County was reported to be 21.2 per 10,000 population positioning Kershaw County to be higher than the state average of 20.8 per 100,000 and the county with the 19th highest rate of naloxone administrations in the state [2].

What partners should we engage to address the factors? 

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. 

• SC Department of Mental Health 

• ALPHA Center 

• Community Medical Clinic of Kershaw County 

• Access Kershaw 

• MUSC 

• NAMI 

• Office of the Probate Judge 

• Kershaw County School District 

• Kershaw County Law Enforcement 

• SC DHEC

• Kershaw County Library 

• Local 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