WATCH: Mental Health Advocacy at State House

Advocates say when it comes to those living with mental illness education can lead to understanding.

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COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO) — Advocates say far too often you only hear about mental illness when an act of violence is committed. Wednesday at the South Carolina State House the point was made that only 6% of those with mental illness have violent tendencies. That means 94% of the mentally ill do not have violent tendencies. Advocates say in comparison the general population’s percentage of people who have violent tendencies is higher.

The State House on Wednesday hosted Mental Health Advocacy Day. Representatives with the South Carolina chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness as well as members of several law enforcement agencies met with lawmakers. NAMI advocates say when it comes to those living with mental illness education can lead to understanding.

NAMI SC Executive Director Bill Lindsey tells ABC Columbia, “Today is about really bringing attention to the issues to those with mental illness. Access to treatment is really the main thing.”

Lindsey added when there’s early intervention, easy access to treatment, and job opportunities less people end up in jail, on the streets, and in our hospital’s emergency rooms.

You can learn more about the National Alliance on Mental Health by clicking here.