WHO WE ARE - Fairfield Behavioral Health Services is dedicated to providing quality, accessible and affordable alcohol, tobacco and other drug intervention, treatment, prevention and education services to the residents of Fairfield County.

We were established in 1979 by an ordinance from Fairfield County Council created by the South Carolina Act 301 of 1973. The sole county authority for alcohol and drug abuse services, Fairfield Behavioral Health Services is a public nonprofit agency that offers a variety of services in addition to confidential alcohol and other drug treatment provided by licensed, certified and trained staff. Fairfield Behavioral Health Services is one of 33 county alcohol and drug abuse authorities recognized by the state of South Carolina.

AFFILIATIONS - Programs of Fairfield Behavioral Health Services are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF - 4th consecutive CARF Accreditation), similar to the certification that accredits major hospitals. Fairfield Behavioral Health Services is also licensed by the Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) and is affiliated with the South Carolina Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services, Behavioral Health Services Association, United Way, Winnsboro Rotary Club, Fairfield County Healthy Partners and Fairfield County Chamber of Commerce.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Fairfield County Council appoints nine volunteer members to serve on the board of directors. If you are interested in serving as a board member please contact Vernon Kennedy Sr., Executive Director or your county council representative. The board meets monthly 5:00 pm on the 3rd Monday at the agency. Board training consists of an initial training of board roles and responsibilities by County Council; orientation by Board Chair, Executive Director, and/or Management Staff; and an annual Statewide Board Seminar in January at Myrtle Beach for alcohol and drug commissions.

CLIENTELE - We serve about 300-400 clients a year in our treatment services and about 2500 in our prevention services. Generally clients are referred by self, Probation, Courts, Solicitors office, schools, DSS, Mental Health, Highway Department and other organizations.

SERVICES - We provide evidence-based and best practice prevention, intervention and treatment services to the populations of Fairfield County and others as appropriate. The Prevention services meet the needs of special populations by conducting needs assessments to determine the risk and protective factors of a particular community prior to implementation. Special consideration is given to populations that are at high risk of Alcohol Tobacco and Other Drug (ATOD) use/abuse. During the curriculum, each participant is given a pre and post test surveys to capture changes in attitudes and behaviors. Most of our prevention services are free to the public. The Treatment services meet the needs of individuals by completing a thorough assessment to determine the level of care needed to begin a lifestyle of recovery. These services may require a combination of educational interventions as well as behavioral, cognitive, and/or medical therapies. Some of the treatment and prevention services that are currently being implemented include the following:

Alcohol Education Program an 8 hour diversionary program delivered in 2 hour increments for underage (17-21) drinking offenders with 1st offense for purchasing, possessing and transferring. Volunteer participation or mandated upon Court conviction.

Alcohol Intervention Program an 8 hour program designed for youth under 21 with a 3rd offense attempt to purchase, consume, and knowingly possess alcohol. Volunteer participation or mandated upon Court conviction.

Merchant Education Program a 2 hour alcohol and tobacco education sales program designed for merchants whether voluntary or mandated by court. Volunteer participation or mandated upon Court conviction.