November 06, 2023

Columbia, S.C. – Richland County Government awarded $150,000.00 to the Mental Illness Recovery Center, Inc. (Mirci) through its Community Impact Grant. The award will strengthen MIRCI’s accredited behavioral healthcare services.

Mirci serves those with serious and persistent mental illness, many of whom have experienced homelessness. It uses the evidence-based practice Assertive Community Treatment (ACT), which agencies like SAMHSA and NAMI recommend. To meet fidelity to the ACT model, services are provided by a multi-disciplinary team of professionals, including licensed counselors, social workers, nurses, and psychiatrists. Different members of a client’s team visit them, often at their home, multiple times a week. This intensive care keeps client-to-staff ratios low, service quality high, and individuals stable in their community.

“Mirci is thankful for the support from Richland County Government through its Community Impact Grant,” CEO Julie Ann Avin said in a statement. “These funds will allow us to continue providing much needed behavioral healthcare to our most vulnerable citizens.”

Richland County Government has long supported Mirci’s mission to provide supportive housing services and mental healthcare to those who are homeless or very low income. With the county’s support, Mirci aids hundreds of individuals each year in gaining housing, achieving stability, and living healthy, independent lives. The wellbeing of Richland County’s most vulnerable citizens results in millions of dollars in avoided costs for local hospital systems each year.

Mental Illness Recovery Center, Inc. (Mirci) provides behavioral healthcare, outreach services and affordable housing for people who are vulnerable to the adverse consequences of mental illness. MIRCI’s vision is to be the place where people can find a way forward. It is a 501(c)3 nonprofit.