Here Greenville strives to provide the finest deals, products, and experiences in your local community. It’s all RIGHT HERE, and it’s all LOCAL.
If you notice something that you believe should be here, please let us know. And you’ll notice it soon HERE!
NAACP Raises Concerns Over S.C. Mental Health Agency Restructuring
NAACP Raises Concerns Over S.C. Mental Health Agency Restructuring
South Carolina’s Department of Mental Health Executive Restructuring sparks questions
Restructuring before General Assembly voting is questionable, says NAACP
The South Carolina chapter of the NAACP has raised concerns over a potential discrimination among executives in the South Carolina Department of Mental Health (SCDMH). Concerns are articulated by Chapter President Brenda Murphy and former SCDMH employee Eleanor Odom-Martin. They indicate that there is an apparent move to lower Black executive leadership within the department.
The Upcoming Restructuring and General Assembly Vote
The concerns are triggered by the SCDMH’s decision to restructure executive positions ahead of the General Assembly’s vote on a bill that aims to merge six of South Carolina’s health agencies into one conglomerate. The NAACP, while being supportive of the legislation, has questioned the department’s advance move ahead of the General Assembly’s decision.
Restructuring and its Potential Impact
Following the restructuring, Tucker-Stone and Tucker-Roddey nursing care centers, Campbell veterans nursing home, Veterans Victory House, and Palmetto Patriots Home will fall under the oversight of the South Carolina Department of Veteran Affairs. These institutions will be detached from SCDMH’s jurisdiction. As per a statement issued by the department, this alteration is being made with patients’ best interests in mind. The reorganization is seen as an opportunity to provide comprehensive treatment to patients across three focal areas: community nursing home, inpatient, and community services.
Black Leadership within SCDMH
It has been identified by Odom-Martin that these departments were previously supervised by the only Black woman holding an executive position within the department, Versie Bellamy. With the incoming restructuring, Bellamy’s scope of oversight seems to be significantly diminished, stirring debate over discriminatory practices within the department.
Repercussions of Restructuring, According to SCDMH
The South Carolina Department of Mental Health asserts that there have been no layoffs, demotions, or promotions directly connected to the proposed changes in the law. However, Odom-Martin argued, “Now they’re going to tell you it’s not a demotion because right now they’re not touching titles and money. So technically they’re saying based on the state’s standards it’s not a demotion, but it is a major demotion in scope of responsibility.”
Final Thoughts
This issue serves as an exemplification of the ongoing challenges in achieving racial fairness within leadership positions. Organizations and institutions ought to consistently exercise and perform equitable practices to prevent any form of discrimination. While restructuring is a common practice across several sectors, all changes must adhere to standards of racial fairness and justice.
Author: HERE Greenville
More Atlanta Stories
Airplane Forced to Make Emergency Landing at Myrtle Beach Airport After Door Detaches Mid-Flight, Says FAA
Aircraft Door Detaches and Falls in Myrtle Beach Residential Area: No Injuries or Damages Reported
Emergency Landing in South Carolina after Plane Door Detaches Mid-Flight
21 Juveniles Accused of Grave School Threats in South Carolina Amid Rising Nationwide Concern
Uncensored America Plans to Sue University of South Carolina for Denial of Event Funding
Teenager Goes Missing in Simpsonville, South Carolina
Greenville Prepares for World Premiere of New Play “…And Getting Caught in the Rain” This September
Drug Trafficking Suspect Arrested After ATV Chase in Greenville, SC
Greenville Embraces the Magic of Disney’s The Lion King as It Hits the Stage
Greenville Chef Michael Kramer to Release Highly Anticipated Cookbook “Jianna” on September 23
Leave a Reply
SUBMIT YOUR BUSINESS
Recent Posts
Airplane Forced to Make Emergency Landing at Myrtle Beach Airport After Door Detaches Mid-Flight, Says FAA
Read More »Aircraft Door Detaches and Falls in Myrtle Beach Residential Area: No Injuries or Damages Reported
Read More »Emergency Landing in South Carolina after Plane Door Detaches Mid-Flight
Read More »Featured Business
Business Spotlight: Eskola Roofing & Waterproofing
Business Spotlight Eskola Roofing & Waterproofing Eskola has been providing commercial and industrial roofing services in Tennessee since 1972. Every year, they execute over 1,100
Featured Neighborhood
Neighborhood Spotlight: Greenville Country Club
Community Spotlight Greenville Country Club Greenville Country Club, founded in 1905, is one of the most prominent club communities in the South. Residents enjoy an
Sign up for our Newsletter