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Clarendon Behavioral Health Celebrates 50 Years of Service and Breaks Ground on New Addition

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Clarendon Behavioral Health Services (CBHS) celebrated a milestone on May 24th, marking 50 years of dedicated service to Clarendon County with a grand event that included a groundbreaking ceremony for a new addition to their facility.

The celebration commenced with a warm welcome and board introductions led by Kathy Geddings, Board Chair of Clarendon Behavioral Health Services. Following this, Natalie Scott, CEO of CBHS, recognized community contributions and introduced the speakers, highlighting the agency’s five decades of impact.

Ann Kirven, former CEO of CBHS, provided a comprehensive history of the organization’s journey over the past 50 years. The ceremony featured remarks from Senator Kevin Johnson of District 36, who lauded the agency’s longstanding commitment to improving the lives of those battling addiction.

The event concluded with the much-anticipated groundbreaking ceremony for the new building addition. Participating in the ceremony were the CBHS Board of Directors, CEO Natalie Scott, and the dedicated staff of CBHS.

Clarendon Behavioral Health Services has been a cornerstone in the community, offering a wide range of services aimed at prevention, intervention, and treatment for individuals facing substance abuse and related issues. The organization’s mission is to provide high-quality, affordable, and convenient services to those struggling with alcohol, tobacco, drug, or gambling problems. Their trauma-informed staff are trained to handle clients with sensitivity, reducing the risk of re-traumatization.

CBHS has made significant strides under the leadership of Natalie Scott, who took over as CEO in 2020. In an interview with The Manning Times in 2021, Scott reflected on the changes and improvements implemented during her tenure. One notable achievement was the successful completion of the CARF (Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities) survey, despite the challenges posed by the pandemic. The agency’s dedication to maintaining high standards was evident as they navigated the virtual accreditation process with minimal recommendations.

Scott also highlighted the introduction of new services, such as Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) in collaboration with local health providers, and the expansion of prevention and intervention programs. CBHS has been proactive in adapting to the evolving needs of the community, including the implementation of telehealth services to overcome transportation barriers for clients in rural areas.

The new addition to the CBHS facility is a symbol of the agency’s commitment to growth and innovation. This expansion will enable them to better serve the community and continue their mission of helping individuals overcome addiction and lead healthier lives.

For more information about Clarendon Behavioral Health Services and their programs, visit their website at clarendonbhs.com or call their office at 803-435-2121.