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Are you in a crisis? Call or text 988 or text TALK to 741741

¿Estás en una crisis? Llama o envía un mensaje de texto al 988 o envía un mensaje de texto con AYUDA al 741741

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AFSP South Carolina

The work we do focuses on eliminating the loss of life from suicide by delivering innovative prevention programs, educating the public, raising funds for suicide research and programs, and reaching out to those who have lost someone to suicide.

About the AFSP South Carolina Chapter

The grassroots work we do focuses on eliminating the loss of life from suicide by: delivering innovative prevention programs, educating the public about risk factors and warning signs, raising funds for suicide research and programs, and reaching out to those individuals who have lost someone to suicide.

As a part of AFSP’s growing nationwide network of chapters, we bring together people from all backgrounds who want to prevent suicide in our communities. Families and friends who have lost someone to suicide, vulnerable individuals, mental health professionals, clergy, educators, students, community/business leaders, and many others energize our chapter.

No matter how challenging the times, you are not alone in South Carolina. The South Carolina Department of Mental Health (SC DMH) and the South Carolina Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services (DAODAS) has partnered with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) to provide the Interactive Screening Program - a safe and easy service that allows individuals to anonymously take a Self-Check Questionnaire and connect with a professional counselor in the State of South Carolina who can provide guidance, support, and resources for mental health and addiction services. This service is available to all residents of South Carolina 18 years of age or older. Visit hope.connectsyou.org to get started.

The South Carolina Chapter Board of Directors for 2024

Kate Brunnelson, Chair, Chester 

Allyson Sipes, Psy D., Board President, Columbia

Chris Allen, Treasurer, Columbia 

Yvette Rother, Secretary, Columbia

Anita Baker, Columbia 

Jenny Morales, Columbia 

Peter Warren, Ph. D., Columbia

Regina Creech, M.S., CHES, Charleston 

Gianella Quiñones, MMFT, LAMFT, Spartanburg

Maranda Beaver, LMSW, Simpsonville 

Mekeshia Bates, DND, MDIV, MPH, MSN, Spartanburg 

Travis Duncan, Columbia

Greg Van Dyke, Murrells Inlet 

Felicia Sullivan-Johnson, Charleston

Scott Smith, M.Ed, BSN, RN, CMGT-BC, Columbia

Chapter contact

John Tjaarda
South Carolina Area Director
[email protected]
(803) 528-4315

Upcoming events and activities

  • Clemson University Campus Walk

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  • Winthrop University Campus Walk

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  • Greenville HS Interact Club Campus Walk

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  • Anderson University Campus Walk

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  • University of South Carolina Campus Walk

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  • AFSP 101 - Introduction to the South Carolina Chapter

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  • Talk Saves Lives - South Carolina

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  • Converse University Campus Walk

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  • AFSP 101 - Introduction to the South Carolina Chapter

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  • Talk Saves Lives - South Carolina

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  • AFSP 101 - Introduction to the South Carolina Chapter

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  • Talk Save Lives - South Carolina

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  • AFSP 101 - Introduction to the South Carolina Chapter

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  • Talk Saves Lives - South Carolina

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  • AFSP 101 - Introduction to the South Carolina Chapter

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  • Talk Saves Lives - South Carolina

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  • AFSP 101 - Introduction to the South Carolina Chapter

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  • Talk Saves Lives - South Carolina

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  • York County Walk

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  • AFSP 101 - Introduction to the South Carolina Chapter

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  • Greenwood SC Area Walk

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  • Myrtle Beach Walk

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  • Upstate Spartanburg Walk

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  • Columbia Area Walk

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  • Colleton County Walk

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  • AFSP 101 - Introduction to the South Carolina Chapter

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  • Hilton Head/Bluffton Area Walk

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  • Greenville SC Walk

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  • Aiken Walk

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  • AFSP 101 - Introduction to the South Carolina Chapter

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  • Looking for even more? See all AFSP virtual programs across the country.

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It’s Real

It’s Real is a documentary featuring the stories of six college students from across the country.

Four friends standing outside having a conversation

Talk Saves Lives™

Talk Saves Lives: An Introduction to Suicide Prevention is a community-based presentation that covers the general scope of suicide, the research on prevention, and what people can do to fight suicide.

Healing Conversations:
Personal Support for Survivors of Suicide Loss

Healing Conversations gives survivors of suicide loss the opportunity to speak with volunteers, who are themselves loss survivors.

Join the AFSP South Carolina Chapter