The Oconee County Council meeting held on January 7, 2025, featured a poignant public comment from resident Dathan Chambers, who expressed deep concerns regarding the treatment of his mother in a nursing home and the role of the Department of Social Services (DSS) in her care. Chambers recounted a series of personal experiences that highlighted his frustrations with the system, including his inability to visit his mother, who has been placed under emergency protective custody and a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order.

Chambers described a recent incident where he attempted to check on his mother at Oconee Memorial Hospital but was denied access, despite having traveled a significant distance. He emphasized the emotional toll this situation has taken on both him and his nonverbal autistic son, who has been struggling to cope with the family crisis. He criticized the DSS for what he perceived as a lack of compassion and support for families in distress, particularly those with limited financial resources.

Throughout his remarks, Chambers invoked themes of community support and Christian values, urging council members and citizens to take action to help those in vulnerable situations. He shared his commitment to helping others, contrasting his own experiences with the challenges faced by his mother in the nursing home, which he described as one of the worst in South Carolina.

Chambers concluded his emotional appeal by calling for greater awareness and intervention in cases like his, stressing the importance of compassion and assistance for those in need. His testimony resonated with the audience, highlighting the ongoing struggles faced by families dealing with healthcare and social service systems. The council's response to his concerns and any subsequent actions were not detailed in the transcript, leaving the community awaiting further developments on this pressing issue.