Ed Mullins Thirty years ago, Edward W. Mullins Jr. of Nelson Mullins, Riley and Scarborough, began his volunteer service in the mental health field by serving on the Board of the Columbia Area Mental Health Center, a clinic run by the South Carolina Department of Mental Health. Today, he still sees some of the same issues holding back the progress of the mental health care in this state.

According to Mullins, "Stigma is the most significant problem our mental health system faces." In his opinion, stigma leads to poor funding, hinders proper and timely treatment for the mentally ill, and causes long- term unemployment of those affected by mental illness.

Mullins has served as a member of the Board of Directors of the Mental Health America of South Carolina. For the past two years, he served as chair of that board. Under his tenure, he has overseen some victories; foremost being a million dollar grant from the federal government for a Suicide Prevention and Awareness program. He also has been involved in the Annual Heroes in the Fight dinner, which honors mental health supporters across the state. He has overseen the purchase and building of several housing facilities for the mentally ill in different counties across the state.

Mullins believes the answer to the question of stigma lies in the minds and attitudes of our young people. By educating a new generation, he believes stigma can be eradicated. Mullins believes that Mental Health America of South Carolina's program, "Don't Duck Mental Health" is a start. Based upon a program from Mental Health America of Tennessee, "Don't Duck Mental Health," is designed to teach children, ages five to eight, about mental illnesses. The program includes a curriculum on topics such as ADHD, stress and anxiety disorders, bipolar disorders, depression, eating disorders and general body image and self esteem issues.

The program also includes a mascot, bright, yellow duck named I.C. HOPE®. The engaging character of I.C. HOPE® evokes positive emotional responses from those who encounter him. He generates questions about the bandage he wears on his head and life preserver worn around his neck which opens the door to talking about mental illnesses as real and treatable.