Mental Health Association honors Rose Marie Newsom

Rose Marie Newsom was recently recognized by her peers on the Mental Health Association of Darlington County Board of Directors (MHADC) for her involvement with the organization.

A plaque was presented to Newsom at a board meeting for her years of service to the Mental Health Association and service on its board of directors. The board also decided to honor Newsom by sponsoring a room at the Durant Center in her name to recognize her 30 years of dedicated service.The structure housing the Durant Center was originally built by Newsom's family as a home.

Newsom, at the invitation of her close friend and then president of the MHADC board Rheda Stokes, attended a monthly meeting in 1978.

It was the year after her husband had died, and she was interested in getting involved in community work.

After attending several meetings she was asked to serve as a member of the board of directors. Newsom was so concerned that MHA did not have a regular meeting place that on her own time, she looked around town for a place to rent, according members of the organization.

Newsom discovered that an office space was going to become available at the community building in the downtown area, and Rose Marie not only found the place for MHA, but she also took steps to get office furniture at a reasonable price.

Newsom also helped her friend Rheda with furnishing the house for battered women and children in Florence County through various donations from the community. Rose Marie recalls that she was very impressed with this volunteer organization dedicated to reducing the stigma surrounding mental health issues. She was and still is a pioneer for MHA Darlington County.

Since becoming involved with the Mental Health Association, Newsom has served in various capacities with the association, including secretary and treasurer of the board of directors. She has worked on the Executive, Finance, Annual Meeting and Nominating committees.

Newsom has played an active role in the Lunch and Learn Series, Depression Screening and the Women's Wellness Seminar.

Newsom initiated the Spring Fling, an event that provides entertainment for clients. This event is for all clients in the county, some in wheel chairs, walkers, all who are able to participant in a day of fun (food, band, karaoke, live band and lots of dancing).

The Women's Wellness Seminar is an event for women with health issues that have overcome cancer.

Newsom has been the recipient of many MHADC awards including the 1995 Volunteer of the Year, 1998 and 2000 Distinguished Service Award, and 2000 and 2002 President's Award. In 1995 she received the honor of Volunteer of the Year for the Mental Health Association of South Carolina. In addition to the above, she was also named the 2000 Woman of Achievement for the Miss Hartsville Scholarship Pageant. In 2006 she was honored with a reception for Years of Service. She also received an award in 2006 the Darlington County Lifetime Achievement Award.

“Rose Marie has shown dignity, courage, and hope in her many years of services that she has provided to her community. She is passionate about people with serious and persistent mental illness, those who are survivors of suicide, anyone who has a need. She is a heroine,” said Catherine Stanley. “The Mental Health America of Darlington County is sincerely blessed by Rose Marie's dedication to our organization for the past 30 years. Her advocacy to mental health education and awareness and her untiring contributions to our service programs are a true inspiration.”