This weekend, five organizations in the Charleston area come together to host a historic event aimed at addressing public safety through the lenses of mental health and substance abuse. The initiative features a 3K walk and run, accompanied by a panel discussion, to raise awareness about the interconnected issues of gun violence and mental health. Donna White, a therapist at 8 Pathways Holistic Counseling, underscores the critical link between mental health and community safety, stating, “If we’re talking about public safety, we have to talk about mental health and mental safety.”
According to Nancy Studman Shipman from WakeUp Carolina, this gathering is unprecedented as it combines efforts from diverse sectors focusing on mental health, gun violence, and substance abuse in one venue. Ronald Smith, the founder of Positive Vibes Inc and an advocate for change following personal tragedy, expresses hope that this event will push for greater accountability among lawmakers regarding public safety initiatives. The event kicks off Saturday at 9 a.m. in Park Circle, with free registration available from 8 a.m.
Read full story at abcnews4.com
