South Carolina leaders to address state’s mental health challenges at NAMI South Carolina State Mental Health Conference
August 25, 2026
As South Carolina continues to face significant challenges in access to mental health care, state legislators, community leaders and national mental health advocates will gather in Columbia next week to discuss the future of mental health care and what needs to change across the state.
The NAMI South Carolina State Mental Health Conference will take place Thursday, September 3, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Richland Two Institute of Innovation (R2i2) in Columbia. The annual conference brings together mental health professionals, advocates, policymakers, community leaders and individuals and families affected by mental illness for a day focused on education, advocacy and meaningful conversations around improving mental health outcomes in South Carolina.
A featured legislative panel will bring together Representative Heather Bauer, Senator Russell Ott and Representative Bruce Bannister to discuss mental health policy and the role state leaders can play in addressing the challenges facing South Carolinians.
Joining the conversation from NAMI National will be Hannah Wesolowski, Chief Advocacy Officer for the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), who will provide a national perspective on mental health advocacy and policy.
South Carolina faces a growing need for accessible, quality mental health care. According to NAMI, approximately 902,000 adults in South Carolina live with a mental health condition, underscoring the scale of the need for effective resources, treatment and support throughout the state.
The conference comes at a critical time for South Carolina communities working to address barriers to mental health care, strengthen the behavioral health workforce and ensure that individuals and families can access support when they need it.
“Conversations about mental health have to move beyond awareness and into action,” said Laura Moss, Deputy Director of NAMI SC. “Bringing legislators, advocates, mental health professionals and community leaders to the same table gives us an opportunity to talk honestly about the challenges facing South Carolinians and identify meaningful solutions.”
The conference will also feature educational sessions and opportunities for attendees to connect with others working to improve mental health across the state.
What: NAMI South Carolina State Mental Health Conference
When: Thursday, September 3, 2026 | 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Where: Richland Two Institute of Innovation (R2i2), Columbia, S.C.
For more information and to register for the NAMI South Carolina State Mental Health Conference, visit www.namisc.org/conference.
About NAMI South Carolina
NAMI South Carolina is the state organization of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, dedicated to improving the lives of individuals and families affected by mental illness through education, support, advocacy, and public awareness across South Carolina.
