Aiken County, September 17, 2025

News Summary

Aiken County is grappling with a surge in suicide rates, now the leading cause of death, surpassing homicides and vehicle accidents. Recent data shows an alarming increase, with 38 suicides recorded in one year. Community leaders, including County Coroner Darryl Ables and Aurora Pavilion’s Andrea Gregory, stress the urgency of mental health awareness and intervention. Local resources such as Aurora Pavilion provide crucial services, and the community is urged to engage in support and vigilance to combat this crisis.

Aiken County Reports High Suicide Rates as Coroner and Mental Health Advocate Address Community Concerns

Aiken County has reported alarming increases in suicide rates, with suicides now being the leading cause of death in the area, surpassing homicides and motor vehicle-related incidents. In 2024, the county recorded 38 suicides, compared to only 17 homicides and 34 deaths from motor vehicle accidents. The situation has continued to deteriorate in 2025, with 28 suicides reported, alongside 11 homicides and 18 motor vehicle fatalities to date.

During a meeting held on September 15 at Newberry Hall, Aiken County Coroner Darryl Ables and Andrea Gregory, the director of business development at Aurora Pavilion Behavioral Health Services and a member of the Aiken County Council, spoke about the county’s growing mental health crisis and the urgent need for community support and intervention.

Current Statistics

Recent statistics underline the severity of the issue. As of 2025, self-inflicted gunshot wounds have emerged as the most prevalent method of suicide in Aiken County. In 2024, there were 31 deaths attributed to this method, with 20 recorded in 2025 thus far. The increase necessitates immediate attention from healthcare providers and community members alike.

Rising Suicide Rates in South Carolina

Andrea Gregory highlighted that the suicide rates across South Carolina have increased by 18% over the past decade, showing a disturbing trend that requires careful consideration and action. Bucking this trend will depend heavily on mental health resources and community vigilance in identifying and assisting those in need.

Aurora Pavilion Behavioral Health Services

Aurora Pavilion, located at 655 Medical Park Drive, serves as a crucial resource for mental health crises in the Aiken County area. It is a 62-bed crisis stabilization hospital that provides care for a wide range of individuals, including adults, teenagers, and children as young as five years old. The facility offers no-cost crisis assessments from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on weekends, requiring no prior appointment.

Community Call to Action

Both Ables and Gregory emphasized the importance of community involvement in addressing mental health issues. They urged individuals to support loved ones exhibiting signs of distress and encourage them to utilize the services available at Aurora Pavilion. Community awareness and responsiveness can significantly impact reducing the number of suicides and aiding individuals in crisis.

Contact Information

For more information about the services provided at Aurora Pavilion, individuals can contact the hospital at 803-641-5900 or reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-7911.

Background Context

The rise in suicide rates has motivated ongoing discussions about mental health awareness and services in Aiken County. With a notable increase in self-harm incidents, the community is faced with the urgent task of improving mental health resources and support systems. Public forums like the Rotary Club meeting provide essential platforms for raising awareness and fostering discussions on mental health challenges facing the region.

Conclusion

The situation in Aiken County serves as a stark reminder of the importance of mental health awareness, support resources, and community engagement in preventing suicide. Collaborative efforts among local health providers, government officials, and community members are essential to combat this troubling trend.

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Additional Resources

• Post and Courier: Aiken County Suicide Rates
• Wikipedia: Suicide
• WRDW: Aiken County Inmate Custody Death
• Google Search: Aiken County Suicide Rates
• The State: Local Aiken County News
• Google Scholar: Aiken County Mental Health
• WACH: Investigation into Aiken County Jail Death
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Suicide
• WFXG: North Augusta Murder-Suicide

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