Health & Human Services Week

Be Kind to Your Mind Festival and Fundraiser

12-5 p.m.
UNCW Amphitheater  •  FREE!

Come together in a fun and safe environment to learn about and connect with the mental health resources that support a healthier, more resilient community. Shop from local artists (jewelry, pottery, woodworking, and more!), grab a bite to eat from local food trucks, and hear live music.

Bring a shelf-stable food donation to support the Good Shepherd Center and Hawk’s Harvest, UNCW’s food pantry for students who are experiencing food insecurity – and get a raffle ticket to win a gift basket!

Free parking is available in the Fisher Lot (615 Hamilton Drive). View a campus map here.

Hosted by and supporting the UNCW School of Social Work.

Register here!

Research Without Overwhelm: Building a Sustainable Agenda

9:15-10 a.m. 
McNeill Hall 1005 and Online

Managing a research agenda can feel like juggling endless priorities from projects, deadlines, collaborations, to the pressure to publish. This session explores practical strategies for creating a research plan that is both productive and sustainable. We’ll discuss how to set realistic goals, prioritize effectively, build your research team, and maintain momentum without burnout. Whether you’re early in your career or looking to recalibrate your approach, you’ll leave with knowledge to help you align your research activities with your long-term vision and values. 

Presented by:

• 2026 Distinguished Researcher Lindsey H. Schroeder, Ed.D., LAT, ATC, CES, Associate Professor and Athletic Training Program Coordinator, School of Health and Applied Human Sciences

Register here!

Research Spotlight Series

Monday, March 23  •  10:15-11:30 a.m. 
McNeill Hall 1005 and Online

10:15-10:40 a.m.:
Reducing Readmissions for Heart Failure Patients: A Rural N.C. Hospital Case Study

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in Columbus County. At Columbus Regional Healthcare System (CRHS), which serves a community facing significant health challenges, post-discharge care was fragmented, and readmission rates were high. An intervention was critically needed for patients with a heart failure diagnosis.  
 
CRHS partnered with Ventricle Health, a virtual cardiology network, local cardiology providers, home health agencies, and primary care providers to create a coordinated post discharge program focused on improving transitions of care and reducing readmissions. Hear how this integrated care strategy improved access to care and patient outcomes - reducing 30-day heart failure readmission rates from 21% to 4.8%, a 77% improvement. 

Presented by: 

• Evangeline Gonzalez, MD, Perioperative Director and Physician Lead for Quality, Columbus Regional Healthcare
• Megan Sargent, BSN-RN, Chief Nursing Officer, Columbus Regional Healthcare
• Nancy Nobles, Case Management Director, Columbus Regional Healthcare

Register here!

11:05-11:30 a.m.:
Improving Patients Satisfaction within Hospitals

This program examines how healthcare is delivered in hospitals and multi‑practice settings by focusing on real patient experiences and the challenges they face in receiving quality care. Through quantitative analysis of treatment and satisfaction data, participants learn how to strengthen primary care, improve management practices, and build stronger patient–provider relationships.  
  
Explore how bringing together community leaders, state policymakers, and medical professionals can encourage collaborative solutions that can transform healthcare delivery and create more equitable, patient‑centered systems.

Presented by:  

• Karen Renee McIntyre-Pearson, MHA, PhD(c), Medical Clinical Assistant Instructor, Miller-Motte College

Register here!

Research Poster Showcase  

12-2 p.m. 
McNeill Hall 1051 

Stop by this interactive Poster Showcase to learn from and engage with faculty, staff, students, and community partners as they share their research, evidence-based projects, and innovative efforts. Hosted by the College of Health and Human Services Research & Faculty Affairs. 

Register here!

From Labor and Delivery to Left Ventricular Assist Device: The Ultimate Interprofessional Collaboration 

2-2:50 p.m. 
McNeill Hall 1027 and Online

This session explores a compelling case report of a 38-year-old woman who presents to her local hospital’s labor and delivery triage unit with increasing shortness of breath and lower-extremity swelling—symptoms often dismissed as normal late in pregnancy, but in this case anything but. Participants will learn how women’s health and cardiology teams mobilized a 23-member interprofessional care team to recognize a critical condition, coordinate complex care, and ultimately help the patient defy the odds through timely, collaborative intervention. 

Presented by:  

• Rachel Hayworth, MSN, BS, RN, Clinical Faculty, School of Nursing

Register here!

Community Engaged Scholars Academy: 2025 Cohort Showcase

2-2:50 p.m. 
McNeill Hall 1005 and Online

The Community Engaged Scholars Academy (CESA) equips UNCW faculty scholars with the knowledge, skills, and strategies to advance community-engaged scholarship and promote health equity. This session will feature dynamic lighting round presentations from the first cohort of scholars, highlighting their progress to date, lessons learned, and outcomes. Presenters will also share next steps for their projects, offering practical insights into sustaining partnerships and translating research into action. The session will also include a brief overview of CESA’s curriculum. 
 
Why attend? Gain an understanding of how community-engaged scholarship can drive meaningful change and explore approaches for fostering equitable partnerships.   

2025 CESA Scholars: 

• Dr. Mudassar Iqbal Arain, Clinical Assistant Professor, Clinical Research, School of Nursing, CHHS 
• Dr. Pamela Balogh, Clinical Assistant Professor, School of Nursing, CHHS 
• Dr. Jill Waity, Professor, Sociology and Criminology, CHHSA 
• Dr. Ana Ferrell, Assistant Professor, School of Nursing, CHHS 
• Dr. Rich Ginnetti, Assistant Professor of Practice, Master of Healthcare Administration, School of Health and Applied Human Sciences, CHHS 
• Dr. Susan Glose, Assistant Professor, School of Nursing, CHHS 
• Dr. Melissa Kovich, Assistant Professor, School of Nursing, CHHS 

Presented by:  

• M. Leah Mayo, MPH, MCHES®, Assistant Dean for Community Engagement and Health Equity, College of Health and Human Services 
• Deborah (Deby) Tyndall, PhD, RN, CNE, Associate Professor, School of Nursing, College of Health and Human Services 

Register here!

Research That Resonates: Building Visibility, Value, and Voice 

3-4:30 p.m. 
McNeill Hall 1005 and Online

Fostering understanding through storytelling can enhance your credibility and fuel your connection with your audience. Learn best practices for showcasing your research, including increasing visibility, demonstrating scholarly impact and utilizing social media. This session will also cover university guidance for website development, donation solicitation and media interactions. Bring your laptop for a hands-on learning opportunity. 

Co-sponsored by Research & Innovation, UNCW Library, and UNCW's Clinical Research Program 

Presented by:  

• Sam Winemiller, MSIS, PhD, Open Knowledge and Research Impact Librarian, UNCW Library
• Ben Blumenthal, Marketing and Communications Specialist, UNCW Research and Innovation  

Register here!

Health Equity Simulation

5-7p.m. 
Veterans Hall 3rd Floor Connector Lobby

Work in interdisciplinary teams to navigate a simulated community with stations such as housing, food pantries, healthcare clinics, and social services, staffed by volunteers portraying real-life challenges. The experience builds empathy, cultural humility, and awareness of barriers to care, followed by a debrief to reflect on collaboration and the impact of systemic inequities on health outcomes.

The Health Equity Simulation is designed to engage CHHS students in collaborative, community‑based learning focused on social determinants of health in southeastern North Carolina.   

Register here!

Construyendo Puentes: Strengthening Providers' Linguistic and Cultural Competence to Better Serve Spanish-Speaking Patients

9:30-10:45 a.m. 
McNeill Hall 1051 and Online

As the number of Spanish‑speaking patients grows in the United States, future health and human services professionals will need strong linguistic and cultural skills. This presentation highlights a three-part model—interpreter training, Spanish for health professions coursework, and community engagement—to equip students for real-world communication.   
  
Explore the importance of trained interpreters in supporting patient safety, ethical practice, and culturally responsive care. Hear how Spanish for health professions courses build essential vocabulary, communication strategies, and cultural awareness. Learn about internships, service‑learning, and partnerships with clinics and nonprofits that can strengthen language abilities while serving the community.  
  
Gain insight into interpreter preparation, how to support intermediate and advanced Spanish learners, and ways to collaborate through internships, volunteer roles, or service projects. 

Presented by:

• Amanda Boomershine, PhD, Professor of Spanish and Linguistics, Department of World Languages and Cultures 
• Stephanie Tucker, MA, Senior Lecturer of Spanish, Department of World Languages and Cultures 
• Maria Rodriguez, Program Director, Community Spanish Interpreter, Cape Fear Community College

Register here!

Healing Pathways: Integrative Neurographics and Sound Bath Experience 

9:30-10:45 a.m. 
Veterans Hall 1540

This immersive session blends neurographic art and sound healing to support emotional regulation, stress relief, and intentional wellness. Learn how neurographic drawing uses line, shape, and mindful movement to re-route limiting patterns in the brain, tap into creativity, and foster clarity. Then, transition into a restorative sound bath, allowing the nervous system to settle, integrate insights, and move toward a grounded, regulated state. Take with you practical strategies for managing stress, strengthening self-awareness, and reconnecting with your internal sense of calm – skills you can carry into your personal life, caregiving roles, and professional practice. 

Presented by:  

• Daniela Williams, LCMCH-QS, Executive Director and Staff Therapist, Community Counseling Center 
• Kelly Purcell, MAT, Certified Sound Healer Facilitator, and owner of Ground. Connect. Empower., LLC  

Register here!

Medication Safety Training

11 a.m.-12:15 p.m. 
McNeill Hall 1051

As rates of prescription use, substance misuse, and polypharmacy continue to rise in aging populations, it is critical to recognize how medication misuse, interactions, and storage issues can contribute to adverse outcomes.  
 
Through an engaging combination of instruction, real-world examples, and guided discussion, explore the increasing prevalence of addiction among older adults, learn how multiple medications can interact in unsafe ways, and examine the risks associated with both prescription and over-the-counter drug combinations. Gain practical strategies for proper medication storage and disposal to help reduce unintentional misuse within homes and caregiving environments.  

Presented by:  

• Teresa DuBose '18 CHES, Prevention Specialist, Coastal Horizons 

Register here!

Faith + Science: A Holistic Approach to Addiction Care 

11 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
Veterans Hall 1514 and Online

Integrating clinical science, community supports, faith-based systems, and structured services can promote long-term thriving to those struggling with substance and alcohol use disorders. Hear about how Christian Recovery Centers emphasizes systems engagement, progressive autonomy, and community reintegration. Explore how multi-layered supports, from clinical detox to spiritual mentorship, interact across time to stabilize, empower, and sustain individuals in recovery providing a blueprint for collaborative care, cross-sector alignment, and faith-informed transformation. 

Presented by:

• Joshua Torbich, M.A., CEO, Christian Recovery Centers; President, Bridge to 100 Network 

Register here!

Supporting Latino Immigrant Families Through a Culturally Responsive Approach

12-1:45 p.m.
McNeill Hall 1005 and Online

Gain a deeper understanding of Latino immigrant families through the lens of the person–process–context–time model, highlighting how to provide meaningful, culturally responsive support. Together, we’ll explore practical tools and community-based resources that empower service providers to meet families where they are—with respect and compassion.

Presented by:

• Rebeca Carpenter, LCSW, Executive Director and Mental Health Therapist, El Cuerpo
• Victoria Velazco, LCSWA, Therapist, Coastal Horizons Clinica Latina 

Register here!

Nasal Narcan/Naloxone Training

12:30-1:45 p.m.  
McNeill Hall 1051

Are you equipped with the knowledge to respond to an accidental opioid poisoning? Examine risk factors, identify early signs and symptoms, and learn response strategies. By increasing awareness and confidence, you’ll be empowered to act quickly and effectively during an emergency – potentially saving a life. 

Presented by:

• Teresa DuBose '18, CHES, Prevention Specialist, Coastal Horizon  

Register here!

Community Resiliency Model Workshop  

2-3:15 p.m.
McNeill Hall 1051 

The Community Resiliency Model (CRM)® is evidence-based and trains community members to not only help themselves but to help others within their wider social network. The primary focus of this skills-based, stabilization program is to re-set the natural balance of the nervous system. 

CRM’s goal is to help to create “trauma-informed” and “resiliency-focused” communities that share a common understanding of the impact of trauma and chronic stress on the nervous system and how resiliency can be restored or increased using this skills-based approach. 

Presented by:  

• Megan Toothman, Community Engagement & Health Equity Program Associate, CHHS
• Heather Lilly, Director of International and Humanitarian Response for the Trauma Resource Institute 

Register here!

Housing is Healthcare: Outcomes in Permanent Supportive Housing

2-3:15 p.m.
Veterans Hall 1514 and Online

When homeless‑service agencies and healthcare providers work together, individuals are more likely to achieve lasting stability in both health and housing. Hear from the Good Shepherd Center, Cape Fear HealthNet, Cape Fear Clinic, about their partnership and success stories of their clients and patients.  

Presented by:  

• Liz Carbone, MPA, Project Specialist, NC Coalition for Homelessness 
• Katrina Knight, MSW, Executive Director, Good Shepherd Center 
• Leslie Smiley, Executive Director, Cape Fear Health Net  

Register here!

NetworkPrep: A MentorCHHS Event

3:30-4:45 p.m. 
McNeill Hall 1051

At this MentorCHHS event, you'll sharpen your networking skills, build confidence, and prepare to make the most of SpeedConnect on Thursday, March 26. Through practical tips and skill-building activities, learn how to initiate professional conversations, make strong first impressions, and navigate networking settings with greater ease. Hear from a former MentorCHHS mentor and mentee about how networking shaped their professional journeys and opened doors in their health and human services fields. Be sure to register for both NetworkPrep and SpeedConnect events and take the next step in your professional journey! 

Presented by:

• Tiffany Erichsen, MPA, MSW, NBC-HWC, Community Engagement and Talent Development Program Manager, CHHS
• Ricky Patterson, Career Consultant, UNCW Career Center 

Register here!

Keynote: Driven by Your Why: The Power of Purpose 

6-8 p.m.
Lumina Theatre and Online

What fuels your why? In health and human services, purpose is the force that ignites passion, sustains resilience, and inspires us to go above and beyond for the people and communities we serve. Reconnect with the values and experiences that shape meaningful work. Charin Hanlon, MD, FACP, will share her “Why Story” and explore how aligning with one’s purpose can deepen impact across people, professions, and places. A panel of health and human services professionals will build on this theme, offering real‑world insights into staying grounded, motivated, and purpose‑driven in complex and evolving fields. Participants will leave inspired to reflect on their own why, and how it can guide a fulfilling, purpose‑centered career. 

Keynote Speaker & Panel Moderator:

• Charin Hanlon, MD, FACP, Vice President of Medical Education, Novant Health NHRMC Designated Institutional Official, Professor, Internal Medicine, UNC Chapel Hill

Panelists:

• Sarah Arthur, MSW, LCSW, Director Community Health, Novant Health NHRMC
• Roberto Ramirez, BSN, RN, Staff Nurse-Emergency Services, Novant Health NHRMC
• Christine Webb, RN, MSN, Nurse Manager ICCU/PCU, Novant Health NHRMC 

Register here!

Yoga on the Lawn

9-9:50 a.m. or 10-10:50 a.m.
Veterans Hall Quad

Join our Yoga Studies minor students in an outdoor yoga practice that includes mindful movements, breathing exercises, and a guided relaxation. No yoga experience is necessary, and mats will be provided.

You will leave with tools to help you manage stress and relieve tension in the body and mind. This year's theme is “Health Without Borders: Connecting People, Professions, and Places” and yoga is all about connection. This practice will invite you to listen to and connect more deeply with yourself. It also offers us the opportunity to practice alongside one another as part of a larger community of like-minded individuals dedicated to health and wellness. Yoga is a holistic practice that is inclusive of all, regardless of ability, body shape, size, age, or skill. It's a lifelong and sustainable practice that allows us to see ourselves as connected to one another, eliminating borders and barriers. 
 
This program is generously supported by the UNCW Student Recreation Center.

Register here!

Mobile Mammography Unit 

9 a.m.-4 p.m. 
Fisher Student Center Parking Lot
Appointments required. To schedule and confirm your appointment, please call (910) 721-1485.

Is it time for your annual mammogram? The mobile screening unit from Novant Health will offer convenient preventive screening mammograms close to where you work and learn.

Appointments take approximately 20 minutes. Screenings are covered as preventive care under most insurance plans, and claims will be filed with your insurance provider on your behalf. Participants must be age 35 or older and under the care of a primary care provider or OBGYN. Your provider will receive your mammogram report following the visit.

Please bring a valid driver’s license and your insurance card to your appointment, and if you have had prior mammograms outside the Novant Health network, be prepared to provide your previous provider’s contact information so images can be obtained for comparison. 

Register here!

From Patient to Policy: A Cross-Disciplinary Blueprint for Transforming Care

9-9:50 a.m. 
McNeill Hall 1051 and Online

Explore how lived experience, interprofessional collaboration, and community engagement can transform patient care and influence policy. Drawing from Shay Webb's journey living with chronic conditions and a clinical research professional across site, CRO, and sponsor levels, she will illustrate what happens when “health without borders” becomes a guiding practice.

Through real-world examples from clinical trials, statewide disability councils, and national diabetes advocacy—including work with legislators, federal agencies, and community partners—see how patient perspectives, health literacy, research, and policy intersect to shape outcomes.

This session demonstrates how breaking down silos between people, professions, and places leads to more equitable and effective care. Gain an actionable blueprint for integrating patient-centered thinking, cross-disciplinary partnerships, and policy awareness into their future work. Attendees will leave with strategies they can use immediately to strengthen communication, build trust with diverse communities, and contribute to systems-level change. 

Presented by:

• Shay Webb '20, '23M, Advisory Councilmember, North Carolina Statewide Independent Living Council

Register here!

Importance of Collaboration in a Social Care Health Hub Model

10-10:50 a.m.
McNeill Hall 1005 and Online

This dynamic panel discussion features leading experts who have successfully collaborated on the design and implementation of innovative social care hub models addressing Health-Related Social Needs (HRSN), such as food insecurity and housing instability, offering attendees practical insights into how multidisciplinary teams can create high-quality, integrated, person-centered systems that improve health outcomes for individuals and communities.

Explore the full lifecycle of the hub model—from initial concept development through operational rollout—highlighting key strategies for stakeholder engagement, governance, sustainability, and funding alignment, while also addressing common challenges such as data sharing and workforce integration. Through real-world examples, learn how collaborative approaches can enhance service accessibility, streamline care coordination, and build community trust.

Gain actionable knowledge on building effective cross-sector partnerships among health, social care, and community organizations; leveraging technology and data to support impactful integrated service delivery; and ensuring equity and inclusivity in hub design.

This session is ideal for policymakers, service leaders, community organizations, and practitioners seeking to replicate or adapt successful models. You'll leave equipped with practical tools and strategies to drive meaningful, community-centered change. 

Presented by:

• Kim Gore, Chief Operations Officer, WARM NC 
• Casey Merritt, BSN, RN, CCM, Director of Care Management & Population Health, Community Care of the Lower Cape Fear 
• Sarah Ridout, MBA, SPHR, Director of Community Programs, Community Care of the Lower Cape Fear 
• April Parker, MS, LCMHC, Healthy Opportunities Program Director, AmeriHealth Caritas 
• Megan Rose, PharmD, Deputy Director, Community Care of the Lower Cape Fear 

Register here!

Art as a Pathway Home: An Art-Making Workshop for Healing

10 a.m.-12 p.m. 
Veterans Hall 1032

This expressive, mixed-media session is designed to support holistic wellbeing, identity exploration, and community connection. In an inclusive, interdisciplinary space, students, faculty, staff, and community members will gather to engage in creative healing practices, working at individual or shared tables and accessing mixed-media supply areas with paint, collage materials, and textured elements.

The workshop will begin with a brief intention-setting activity, followed by a guided art-making period accompanied by quiet music, and conclude with small-group sharing to deepen connection and understanding across roles, identities, and backgrounds. Take home your completed artwork and engage in meaningful opportunities for emotional expression, internal awareness, and shared creativity, while a brief pre- and post-evaluation will capture changes in anxiety, self-connection, and connectedness to others.
 
Supported generously by the UNCW Gender Studies Research Center.

Presented by:

• Kris Hohn, Ph. D, MSSW, Assistant MSW Coordinator & Associate Professor, School of Social Work
• Beck Baack, MSW Candidate, School of Social Work 
• Kirra Beecher, MSW Candidate, School of Social Work

Register here!

Health Without Borders in Action: A Collaborative Simulation on Integrating Clinical Research into Community Care

11-11:50 a.m.
Veterans Hall 1540

Step into the real-world decision-making process behind integrating clinical research within community healthcare settings through a collaborative simulation led by Wilmington Health Research and Innovo Research. Working in small, mixed-role groups, engage in a case-based scenario that mirrors the complexities of clinical research integration, assume roles such as patient advocate, clinician, research coordinator, administrator, or community partner, and design a mini value-driven research pathway that expands patient access, improves care quality, and supports organizational sustainability.

Facilitators will guide teams through key decision points while sharing real-world examples from their extensive experience in community-embedded clinical trials, demonstrating how collaboration—rather than hierarchy—drives successful research implementation, particularly in diverse and underserved settings.

Identify practical strategies for embedding research into routine care, navigate competing stakeholder priorities, and understand how community-centered research models reduce costs, improve outcomes, and enhance patient trust — showing how research can bridge people, professions, and places to shape a healthier future. 

Presented by:

• Kaitlin Gill, Clinical Research Coordinator, Wilmington Health 
• Erin Funk, Senior Clinical Research Coordinator, Wilmington Health

Register here!

Cultivating Community: How Feast Down East is Connecting the Local Food System in Southeastern North Carolina

11-11:50 a.m.
McNeill Hall 1005 and Online

Hear a highlight of Feast Down East's work, including its key programs, including the Food Hub, Mobile Farmers’ Market, Food Rx program, and Farmers Fighting Hunger, all of which are grounded in a mission to support the local farming community by connecting small farms to market and distribution opportunities while expanding community access to locally grown, nutrient-dense foods.

Through partnerships across the region, Feast Down East works to connect vulnerable populations to essential resources such as food, nutrition education, and healthcare, while also collaborating with higher education partners like ECU and UNCW through internship, service-learning, and Health Equity Bonner Fellowship programs that provide students from a wide range of majors with hands-on experience in community service and a deeper understanding of how interconnected and impactful our food system truly is. 

Presented by:

• Susannah Spratt, MPH, CHES, Mobile Market Manager, Feast Down East 
• Kacie Boyce, B.S., Mobile Market Coordinator, Feast Down East 

Register here!

From Teal Zone to Blue Zone: Reimagining UNCW as a Longevity Campus

12-12:50 p.m. 
Veterans Hall 1540 and Online

Blue Zones are places in the world with the healthiest, longest-living populations. These regions offer powerful lessons centered on a holistic lifestyle. Using evidence-based longevity principles, this interactive session will challenge you to reimagine UNCW’s campus and its surrounding community to bridges global wisdom with local, actionable strategies. Participants from diverse professional backgrounds, public health, nursing, social work, nutrition, exercise science, psychology, education, and beyond, will address campus wellness through multiple lenses. 

Presented by:

• Wes Porter, Executive Assistant for Community Engagement and Health Equity, CHHS; CHHS 294: Blue Zones and Healthy Living – Lessons from Sardinia Co-Instructor
• M. Leah Mayo, Assistant Dean for Community Engagement and Health Equity, CHHS; CHHS 294 Blue Zones and Healthy Living Lessons from Sardinia Co-Instructor 

Register here!

Not All Who Wander Are Lost: Exploring the WHO, WHAT, WHEN, WHERE, and WHY of Travel-Based Learning

12-12:50 p.m. 
McNeill Hall 1051

Examine the transformative potential of immersive travel-based learning experiences for pre-healthcare students, including study abroad programs and domestic research projects, addressing the WHO, WHAT, WHEN, WHERE, WHY, and HOW of such opportunities. Travel-based learning immerses students in diverse healthcare systems, public health settings, and community contexts, providing hands-on experiences that complement classroom instruction.

Hear real examples from nursing and healthcare student programs, illustrating how structured travel experiences enhance empathy, critical thinking, and interprofessional collaboration. Understand how to design, implement, and evaluate meaningful travel-based learning opportunities, including best practices for preparation, ethical engagement, and reflection, as well as strategies to support initiatives that increase access for CHHS students. 

Presented by:

• Paula Baisden, Ed.D., MSN-Ed, BSN-RN, Assistant Professor, School of Nursing

Register here!

The Empathy Experience

1-2:30 p.m. 
Veterans Hall 1032

This immersive, interactive experience is designed to deepen your understanding and practice of empathy in both personal and professional settings. Through an emotionally engaging presentation, explore the science of empathy, identify common barriers, and learn practical strategies to foster and sustain empathetic connections. The program emphasizes self-empathy as well as empathy toward patients, colleagues, and humanity at large. Follow-up surveys show that participants continue to apply the empathy skills learned in the program even three months after completion, demonstrating its lasting impact. 

Presented by:

• Kathleen Bloomfield, MPH, RN, C-EFM, Perinatal Nurse Champion – NC Region V, Community Care of the Lower Cape Fear

Register here!

How Quality Improvement Can Be Used in a Community Organization

1-1:50 p.m.
McNeill Hall 1051 and Online

Explore how the presenters collaborated with the Columbus County Health Department Leadership Team to apply Quality Improvement (QI) and Quality Assurance (QA) principles in public health, emphasizing their role in accreditation, organizational growth, and community impact. Quality improvement in public health involves a deliberate, structured process—such as Plan-Do-Study-Act—focused on activities that respond to community needs and enhance population health. It represents a continuous effort to achieve measurable improvements in efficiency, effectiveness, performance, accountability, outcomes, and other quality indicators, all aimed at advancing equity and improving community health. These practices are supported by leading organizations, including the APHA, CDC, and Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, as well as other accreditation bodies.   

Presented by:

• Carol Highsmith, Ed.D, MPA-NE, RN, Lecturer, School of Nursing 
• Denise Isibel, DNP, MSN, RN, CNE, Clinical Assistant Professor, School of Nursing  
• Lenis Chen-Edinboro, Ph.D., Ed.M., Associate Professor of Public Health, School of Health and Applied Human Sciences 

Register here!

Begin the Conversation: Connecting Patients, Families, and Healthcare Providers through Advance Care Planning

2-2:50 p.m. 
McNeill Hall 1005 and Online

At any point in life, a serious illness or injury may leave you unable to communicate your health care wishes, making advance care planning an essential step in ensuring your preferences are understood and honored. Advance care planning encourages individuals to reflect on possible health care choices, discuss those decisions with loved ones and health care providers, and put plans in writing so they are prepared if the need arises. This session helps participants identify their health care preferences and offers practical guidance for beginning conversations with family members and providers, while also explaining how Advance Directives—such as a Living Will and Health Care Power of Attorney—can be used to legally document those choices. Having a plan in place increases the likelihood that your wishes will be followed and serves as a meaningful gift to those who may one day face difficult decisions on your behalf—so don’t wait, now is the time to start the conversation. 

Presented by:

• Jason Clamme, Community Impact Executive, Lower Cape Fear LifeCare 

Register here!

Community Engagement Essentials

2-2:50 p.m. 
Veterans Hall 1540

Volunteering not only helps individuals develop a sense of purpose and new skills, but also fosters connection, supports wellbeing, and contributes to a happier, healthier, and longer life. This welcoming workshop explores the many benefits of volunteering and community engagement by connecting people (volunteers) and places (community organizations) across all professions. Participants will be guided through an overview of different types of community-engaged learning opportunities, reflect on their personal interests and skills, learn thoughtful and effective approaches to working with community partners, and conclude with a review of campus resources and tools that support intentional community engagement. Attendees will leave feeling informed, inspired, and ready to engage meaningfully with their community, making this session an ideal way to prepare for the HHSW Day of Service.

Presented by:   

• Scott Leroy, Ed.D., Assistant Director, Student Community Engagement, UNCW Campus Life 
• Brinley Haugh, UNCW Student, Seahawks that Serve Project Manager, Junior, Psychology Major 

Register here!

Creating Protective Communities: A Community-Campus Partnership to Prevent Child Sexual Abuse 

3-5:50 p.m. 
McNeill Hall 1051 

Stewards of Children is an evidence-informed, training designed to equip adults with the knowledge and skills to prevent, recognize, and respond to child sexual abuse. Child sexual abuse is happening. One out 10 children experience child sexual abuse before their 18th birthday. Stewards of Children helps participants understand how abuse happens and provides clear, actionable steps adults can take to protect children in everyday settings. By shifting responsibility to informed adults and strengthening protective behaviors across families, schools, and communities, the training reinforces the role of prevention in creating healthier, safer communities. 

Presented by:  

• Michelle Cathorall, DrPH, MPH, Associate Professor and Program Coordinator of Public Health, School of Health and Applied Human Sciences 
• William Opoku-Agyeman, PhD, Associate Professor, Healthcare Administration, School of Health and Applied Human Sciences 
• Michelle Renee Chyatte, DrPH, MPH, Associate Professor, Healthcare Administration, School of Health and Applied Human Sciences 
• Dan Fisher, PhD, MHA, Assistant Professor and Program Coordinator of Master of Healthcare Administration, School of Health and Applied Human Sciences 
• Pamela Balogh, DNP, APRN, FNP-C, Clinical Assistant Professor and Graduate Clinical Coordinator, School of Nursing 
• Brieanna Guerra, Child Abuse Prevention and Outreach Coordinator, Carousel Child Advocacy Center 
• Taylor Wilson, BA, Coastal Horizons Prevention Services 

Register here!

Advancing Human Services through Partnerships with Faith Communities 

3-3:50 p.m. 
McNeill Hall 1005 and Online

Faith communities in North Carolina, where approximately 80% of the population self-identifies with a religious tradition, are uniquely positioned to serve as trusted spaces for healing, support, and connection. To become truly trauma-informed, faith leaders must build strong relationships with human service providers so they can effectively connect congregants to appropriate resources, support, and treatment. 

The North Carolina Council of Churches’s goal is to help congregations raise awareness and reduce stigma around mental well-being by fostering a culture of care that addresses the mental health crisis, improves mental health literacy, and strengthens community resilience. Achieving this vision relies on collaboration with human services professionals who help position faith communities as central hubs of support, ensuring mental well-being is recognized as an essential component of holistic health across North Carolina. This session will highlight strategies for identifying and mobilizing community assets, strengthening faith-and-health partnerships, and curating culturally relevant initiatives, while intentionally exploring the bridge needed to connect people, professions, and places across the traditional divide between church and state. 

Presented by:  

• Rev. Dr. Arlecia Simmons, Partners in Health and Wholeness East Regional Associate Director, North Carolina Council of Churches

Register here!

Leveraging Community Engagement to Build Your Professional Skill Set: A Story About New Hanover County's Most Unsung Heroes 

3-3:50 p.m.
Veterans Hall 1032

Strong community partnerships that endure over time can be challenging to establish and sustain, yet they offer meaningful opportunities for students and faculty to build essential skills, deepen connections, and advance professional goals while adding purpose to their work. This narrative highlights a three-year collaboration between UNCW students in a Health Behavior Theory course and Shyanne Villarreal, New Hanover County’s Human Resources Specialist, sharing lessons learned about aligning learning outcomes and professional goals with community-identified needs in ways that foster wellness, resilience, and opportunity for all stakeholders. The session also explores the lived experiences and often-overlooked needs of 911 dispatchers, detailing how the partnership emerged organically, inspired the development of a gratitude-based health initiative, and offers practical insight into how participants can identify unmet community needs that spark passion and purpose in their own professional journeys. 

Presented by:

• Amelia (Kit) Huelskamp, PhD, Associate Professor, School of Health and Applied Human Sciences 

Register here!

Hereditary Cancer, Nutrigenomics, and Personalized Prevention: Understanding Your Body’s Blueprint for Better Health

4-5:30 p.m. 
Veterans Hall 1540 and Online

Hereditary cancer risk is more than a genetic possibility—it is an opportunity to understand how the body functions, responds to stressors, and can be supported through informed choices. Explore the relationship between inherited cancer syndromes, gene expression, and the emerging field of nutrigenomics, providing participants with a clear understanding of how lifestyle factors, nutrition, detoxification pathways, and targeted supplementation interact with genetic predispositions to influence long-term health outcomes. Participants will review the fundamentals of hereditary cancer genetics, including common mutations such as BRCA1/2 and Lynch syndrome markers, and examine how inherited risk informs prevention and screening strategies. The session then transitions into nutrigenomics, highlighting how individual metabolic pathways can guide personalized, supportive interventions, particularly for individuals navigating survivorship, chronic inflammation, or ongoing health monitoring. 
 
Aligned with the HHSW theme, this session emphasizes practical, science-based, whole-body approaches that empower informed decision-making, illustrating how genes and environment interact, what genetic testing can reveal, and how small, intentional daily choices can strengthen and protect the body, fostering confidence and proactive engagement in personal and supportive health journeys. 

Presented by:  

• Elizabeth D. Barnes, Co-Founder and Executive Director, Hope Abounds Cancer Network 
• Heather King, CHHP, ACS-LION, MBA, DHSc(s)

Register here!

Keynote: Innovations in Athletic Training

6-8 p.m.  
Discovery Hall 1070 and Online

Details forthcoming.

Register here!

Collaborate To Serve  

9:30-10:45 a.m. 
McNeill Hall 1005 or Online

This interactive training is designed for all employees—from frontline staff to supervisors—with the goal of strengthening collaboration across roles, departments, and with external stakeholders and community members. In an era of rapid change, collaboration is essential for agility, innovation, and service excellence.

The training provides participants with the mindset and tools needed to work more effectively together, both within the organization and with the broader community. By the end of the session, you'll be able to define what collaboration looks like within their organization, apply strategies to foster psychological safety and mutual respect across all levels, use tools for active listening, understanding others’ perspectives, and navigating conflict constructively, and practice methods for effective collaboration across departments and with community partners. 

Presented by:

• L.S. “Bo” Dean Jr., Senior Human Resources Analyst, Learning and Development, New Hanover County

Register here!

This is a TEST: POD Edition

9:30-10:45 a.m.  
McNeill Hall 1051

The TEST POD (Point of Distribution) Edition is a training and exercise simulation designed to help participants understand specific roles and responsibilities at a POD during a public health emergency. Using a serious, collaborative design, the simulation bridges the gap between discussion-based and operational exercises, employing narrative-based scenarios to foster teamwork and facilitate discussion around resource management. 

Presented by:

• Carla Turner, BSN-RN, MHA, Public Health Division Manager and Preparedness Coordinator, New Hanover County Health and Human Services
• Kyle Hiltbrunn, MPH, CHES, Epidemiologist, New Hanover County Health and Human Services

Register here!

Mandatory Reporting Panel Discussion

11 a.m.-12:15 p.m. 
McNeill Hall 1051

The Mandatory Abuse Reporting Panel addresses abuse of vulnerable populations through interdisciplinary collaboration across healthcare, legal, and community sectors to break down silos and advance trauma-informed reporting and prevention for equitable protection. Faculty, students, and community members will learn from leading professionals in adult services, elder law, public defense, health and human services research, ethics, and long-term care ombudsman programs. The expert discussions cover types of abuse including physical, emotional, financial, sexual, and neglect, as well as red flags that appear in internships, practicum, fieldwork, community projects, and research settings.

Explore North Carolina legal mandates, step-by-step reporting protocols, required documentation, coordination with protective services, and follow-up procedures. Ethical considerations and interdisciplinary strategies round out the content. Attendees will be equipped with practical tools for timely, trauma-informed intervention.

Moderators: 

• Kaylee Hutchens, MSW student, Elderhaus intern 
• Autumn Borowski, MSW student 
• Jenna Kornegay, Gerontology student 

Panelists: 

• Sean Dwyer, Program Manager, Adult Services, New Hanover County 
• Jennifer Roden, Elder Law Attorney, Partner, Craige, Fox, and Roden 
• Dr. Kristin Mapson, Associate Dean for Research and Innovation, CHHS, UNCW  
• Angelia Pridgen, Lead Regional Long Term Care Ombudsman, Eastern Carolina Council of Governments/Area Agency on Aging 

Presented by:

• Tiffany Erichsen, MPA, MSW, NBC-HWC, Community Engagement and Talent Development Program Manager, Center for Workforce Development, College of Health and Human Services 
• Tina Newsham, PhD, Professor of Gerontology, School of Health and Applied Human Sciences
• Elizabeth Fugate-Whitlock, PhD, Senior Lecturer of Gerontology, School of Health and Applied Human Sciences
• Megan Bolden, Ed.D., MSW, Assistant Professor, School of Social Work

Register here!

Move to Improve: Movement and Mindful Walking for Stress Relief

11 a.m.-12:15 p.m. 
Veterans Hall 1032 and Quad or Online

This session provides information and practical examples demonstrating how incorporating brief stretching breaks and mindful walks into the workday can help reduce stress related to workload demands and everyday external stressors. 

Presented by:

• Lilly Bencivenga, Public Health student 
• Jesus G. Regino, Public Health student
• Aneliese Gerraughty, Public Health student
• Heidi Cazarez-Manilla, Public Health student

Register here!

Make It Macro: The Intersection of Social Work and the Justice System

12:30–1:15 p.m.: Opening
1:30-2:30 p.m.: Panel Discussion
McNeill Hall 1005
CEUs available

The “Make It Macro” event will bridge macro social work with interdisciplinary victim support through a keynote by the New Hanover County District Attorney on the justice system, followed by a panel featuring a DA victim assistant from the sexual assault unit, a UNCW police officer, and a BSW alum serving as a victim assistant. The session connects people (survivors), professions (social work, law enforcement, and legal systems), and places (community, campus, and county), embodying the 2026 theme by dismantling silos to advance trauma-informed, borderless health equity and systemic change. Faculty, students, and community members will gain actionable insights into interdisciplinary collaboration, trauma-informed advocacy, and systemic reform, explore real-world strategies for connecting survivors across sectors, and leave inspired to drive meaningful change within their professions and communities. 

Opening Speaker: 

• Jason Smith, New Hanover County District Attorney 

Panel Moderator:

• Macro MSW student 

Panelists:

• Caitlin Annas, UNCW CARE, Victim Advocate  
• Rachel Hartley, New Hanover County District Attorney’s Office, Victim Witness Assistant  
• Vanessa Toroella, UNCW Police Department, Lieutenant  
• Lindsey Keck, Carousel Center, Forensic Interviewer and Therapist  
• Gina Soalari, Carousel Center, Clinical Supervisor and Forensic Interviewer

Presented by: 

• Tiffany Erichsen, MPA, MSW, NBC-HWC, Community Engagement and Talent Development Program Manager, Center for Workforce Development, College of Health and Human Services 
• Angelena Vandenberg, MSW, Field Education Coordinator and Lecturer, School of Social Work 
• Alicia Uffner, PhD, MSW, Associate Professor, School of Social Work 
• Daysja Terry, MSW, Lecturer, School of Social Work

Register here!

Your Health, Our Community: A Look into New Hanover County's Community Health Needs Assessment

12:30-1:45 p.m. 
Veterans Hall 1542 or Online

This session provides an overview of the community health assessment process in North Carolina, including state requirements and the Results-Based Accountability (RBA) framework. Participants will examine the collaborative approach used to develop New Hanover County’s 2025 Community Health Needs Assessments (CHNAs), review the identified health priorities, and engage in an interactive activity to apply the RBA framework in informing the Community Health Improvement Plan. 

Presented by:

• Eugenia Johnson, MPH, CHES, Lead Health Educator, New Hanover County Health and Human Services  
• Emma Cary, Health Educator, New Hanover County Health and Human Services 

Register here!

Case Study Competition (Pitch Event)

2-3:15 p.m. 
Veterans Hall 1514 or Online

The Case Study Competition is designed to train the next generation of leaders through a unique, real-world challenge–based experience. Selected students will be placed on interprofessional teams of three to four students from across the College of Health and Human Services, where they will apply discipline-specific knowledge to address complex community issues while learning to leverage the unique skills and perspectives of each team member. The competition requires an estimated 10-hour commitment, including an initial kickoff meeting, dedicated team collaboration time, and a culminating pitch event. 

Register here!

Human Trafficking in North Carolina: Demand Reduction, Complex Trauma, and a Multidisciplinary Path to Recovery 

2-3:15 p.m. 
McNeill Hall 1030

This session provides an overview of human trafficking in North Carolina, highlighting the systemic factors that contribute to exploitation and the collaborative strategies required for effective prevention. Through a lecture and/or interactive workshop format, participants will examine current demand-reduction efforts, best practices in complex trauma-informed service delivery for survivors, and the essential role of multidisciplinary teams in intervention and long-term support.

Aligned with the Health Without Borders theme, the session emphasizes cross-professional collaboration by equipping attendees with practical strategies and shared frameworks that strengthen survivor support, reduce vulnerabilities, and promote coordinated responses across health, social service, and community systems. 

Presented by:  

• Allysa McKenzie, Founder, Executive Director, Stand Against Trafficking USA 
• Angela Dooley, Director of Client Services and Case Management, Women’s Life Center 

Register here!

SpeedConnect: A MentorCHHS Event

3:30-4:45 p.m. 
Veterans Hall 3rd Floor Connector Lobby and Problem-Based Learning Labs

This dynamic, structured networking experience is designed to help students explore career pathways, build meaningful connections, and advance their professional development. Participants rotate through small-group conversations with representatives from local health and human service organizations, providing an interactive opportunity to learn about diverse missions, roles, and opportunities while practicing essential professional communication skills.

Aligned with the HHSW theme, SpeedConnect fosters connection, collaboration, and community engagement, helping students expand their understanding of interdisciplinary work across the health and human services fields. Participants leave the session feeling more confident navigating professional conversations and better prepared to engage with the broader HHS community, while building relationships that can support internships, future employment, and long-term career growth. 

Presented by:

• Tiffany Erichsen, MPA, MSW, NBC-HWC, Community Engagement and Talent Development Program Manager, Center for Workforce Development, College of Health and Human Services 
• McKenzie LeFlore, M.Ed., Employer Development Program Manager, UNCW Career Center

Register here!

Mental Health Professionals: "The Code of Ethics Tells Me To Be 'Culturally Competent,' But How Do I Get There?" 

3:30-4:20 p.m.  
McNeill Hall 1030

Explore the ethical responsibility of cultural competence for mental health professionals as outlined in governing NASW Codes of Ethics. Participants are invited to reflect on what cultural competence truly requires in practice. Attendees will build awareness of the ongoing learning, self-reflection, and professional development necessary to effectively serve diverse patients and collaborate across disciplines, with an emphasis on cultural humility, continuous growth, and practical strategies for integrating culturally responsive care into everyday clinical work. While the language is tailored to mental health professionals, the session is relevant and open to all healthcare providers and professionals. 

Presented by:

• Mireya Lupercio, MSW-LCSW, Bilingual Mental Health Therapist 

Register here!

The Hospice Choice

3:30-4:45 p.m. 
McNeill Hall 1005 

This short play, written and directed by local artist Cat Thomas, highlights the emotional, intellectual, and cultural challenges that diverse communities face at the end of life, offering attendees an opportunity to explore the complexities of engaging with diversity in healthcare. The play will be performed live and followed by a facilitated discussion with cast members and attendees focused on the central themes and their implications for end-of-life care.  

Presented by:

• Jason Clamme, Community Impact Executive, Lower Cape Fear LifeCare 
• Jeanette Harrison-Sullivan (playing Eve)
• Maria-Luisa Winslow (playing Maria)
• Eric Walker (playing Charlie)

Register here!

Health Equity Bonner Fellowship Health Equity Needs Analysis (HENA) Presentation

4:30-6 p.m. 
McNeill Hall 1051 

The HENA project serves as a cornerstone initiative where Fellows in the Health Equity Bonner Fellowship program conduct needs assessments at their community placement sites to bridge the gap between research and action through the creation of a Photovoice presentation. In partnership with community placement sites, Fellows visualize site-specific challenges and propose hypothetical interventions culminating in a presentation that can serve as a roadmap for future community development.

Presented by Health Equity Bonner Fellows:

• Alanna Tarazona, International Business Major, Northside Food Coop 
• Laura Grossheim, Biology and Public Health Major, Seeds of Healing 
• Kaylen McDow, Film Studies Major, City of Wilmington Parks and Recreation 
• Madison Jones, Cybersecurity Major, Food Bank Central Eastern NC 
• Bianca Moales, Political Science Major, Coastal Horizons 
• Jessica Rodriguez, Business Administration Major, UNCW CLIMB 
• Gia Kraycirik, Social Work Major, UNCW CLIMB

Register here!

8:30 a.m.-12 p.m.: Catholic Charities

4280 US Highway 421 N. Suite 110 
Wilmington, NC 

Catholic Charities helps support those in need by alleviating the effects of poverty and creating hope by developing solutions to transform lives. They are committed to serving the most vulnerable individuals and families throughout central and eastern North Carolina. 

• Volunteers will be working the food pantry, stocking up the warehouse, building boxes, packing food boxes, organizing the warehouse, sorting out fresh goods, washing vehicles. 
• Wear tennis shoes/ sneakers, clothes you don't mind getting dirty.  

Register here!

9 a.m.-12 p.m. Willowdale Farms 

301 N 30th St.
Wilmington, NC

Community Enrichment Initiatives Inc. (CEII) believes in the power of community. We fight hunger and poverty through short and long term sustainable initiatives that promote health and wellness, personal empowerment, education and self-sufficiency in the Wilmington community.

• Volunteers will be tending the garden, planting, harvesting, packaging the harvest, and possibly painting.  
• Wear old clothes, closed-toe shoes, gloves, hat, sunscreen, and bring water. 

Register here!

9 a.m.-12 p.m.: Communities In Schools 

1102 Orange St.
Wilmington, NC 

Communities In Schools surrounds students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life. Current programs include Student Support Specialists at 34 area schools, afterschool programs, summer enrichment camps, programs to support and empower young parents, and restorative justice programs that serve as alternatives to the juvenile justice system. 

• Communities in Schools is gearing up to offer a Spark Lab to our community. They are re-fitting our former after school space to this new lab.
• Help is needed to upfit the space to prepare for future students. Tasks would be cleaning, painting, yard work, etc.

Register here!

9 a.m.-12 p.m.: Harrelson Center

20 North 4th Street, Ste 214
Wilmington, NC 

The Harrelson Center's mission is to advance, connect, and empower an integrated humanitarian nonprofit community. Housed in the former New Hanover County Law Enforcement Center, the Harrelson Center supports and partners with other nonprofit organizations in the Wilmington community. The Center works with its partners to meet the needs of the community in areas such as safe and affordable housing, education, employment, health care and family support.

• Volunteers will be helping with outdoor cleanup, planting and pruning landscaping.  

Register here!

1-3 p.m.: Good Shepherd Center

811 Martin St.
Wilmington, NC

The mission of Good Shepherd Center is to feed the hungry, shelter the homeless, and foster transition to housing. Established in 1983 as a modest Soup Kitchen, Good Shepherd has grown to become the largest provider of homeless services in the region.

• Volunteers will be outdoors and will be helping with interior and exterior van washing. These vans pick up food donations that feed our community each day.
• Please come wearing something you don't mind getting dirty!  

Register here!

Research Without Overwhelm: Building a Sustainable Agenda

Monday, March 23
9:15-10 a.m. 

Managing a research agenda can feel like juggling endless priorities from projects, deadlines, collaborations, to the pressure to publish. This session explores practical strategies for creating a research plan that is both productive and sustainable. We’ll discuss how to set realistic goals, prioritize effectively, build your research team, and maintain momentum without burnout. Whether you’re early in your career or looking to recalibrate your approach, you’ll leave with knowledge to help you align your research activities with your long-term vision and values. 

Presented by:

• 2026 Distinguished Researcher Lindsey H. Schroeder, Ed.D., LAT, ATC, CES, Associate Professor and Athletic Training Program Coordinator, School of Health and Applied Human Sciences

Register here!

Research Spotlight Series

Monday, March 23  •  10:15-11:30 a.m. 

10:15-10:40 a.m.:
Reducing Readmissions for Heart Failure Patients: A Rural N.C. Hospital Case Study

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in Columbus County. At Columbus Regional Healthcare System (CRHS), which serves a community faces significant health challenges, post-discharge care was fragmented, and readmission rates were high. An intervention was critically needed for patients with a heart failure diagnosis.  
 
CRHS partnered with Ventricle Health, a virtual cardiology network, local cardiology providers, home health agencies, and primary care providers to create a coordinated post discharge program focused on improving transitions of care and reducing readmissions. Hear how this integrated care strategy improved access to care and patient outcomes - reducing 30-day heart failure readmission rates from 21% to 4.8%, a 77% improvement. 

Presented by: 

• Evangeline Gonzalez, MD, Perioperative Director and Physician Lead for Quality, Columbus Regional Healthcare
• Megan Sargent, BSN-RN, Chief Nursing Officer, Columbus Regional Healthcare
• Nancy Nobles, Case Management Director, Columbus Regional Healthcare

Register here!

11:05-11:30 a.m.:
Improving Patients Satisfaction within Hospitals

This program examines how healthcare is delivered in hospitals and multi‑practice settings by focusing on real patient experiences and the challenges they face in receiving quality care. Through quantitative analysis of treatment and satisfaction data, participants learn how to strengthen primary care, improve management practices, and build stronger patient–provider relationships.  
  
Explore how bringing together community leaders, state policymakers, and medical professionals can encourage collaborative solutions that can transform healthcare delivery and create more equitable, patient‑centered systems.

Presented by:  

• Karen Renee McIntyre-Pearson, MHA, PhD(c), Medical Clinical Assistant Instructor, Miller-Motte College

Register here!

From Labor and Delivery to Left Ventricular Assist Device: The Ultimate Interprofessional Collaboration 

Monday, March 23
2-2:50 p.m. 

This session explores a compelling case report of a 38-year-old woman who presents to her local hospital’s labor and delivery triage unit with increasing shortness of breath and lower-extremity swelling—symptoms often dismissed as normal late in pregnancy, but in this case anything but. Participants will learn how women’s health and cardiology teams mobilized a 23-member interprofessional care team to recognize a critical condition, coordinate complex care, and ultimately help the patient defy the odds through timely, collaborative intervention. 

Presented by:  

• Rachel Hayworth, MSN, BS, RN, Clinical Faculty, School of Nursing

Register here!

Community Engaged Scholars Academy: 2025 Cohort Showcase

Monday, March 23
2-2:50 p.m. 

The Community Engaged Scholars Academy (CESA) equips UNCW faculty scholars with the knowledge, skills, and strategies to advance community-engaged scholarship and promote health equity. This session will feature dynamic lighting round presentations from the first cohort of scholars, highlighting their progress to date, lessons learned, and outcomes. Presenters will also share next steps for their projects, offering practical insights into sustaining partnerships and translating research into action. The session will also include a brief overview of CESA’s curriculum. 
 
Why attend? Gain an understanding of how community-engaged scholarship can drive meaningful change and explore approaches for fostering equitable partnerships.  

2025 CESA Scholars: 

• Dr. Mudassar Iqbal Arain, Clinical Assistant Professor, Clinical Research, School of Nursing, CHHS 
• Dr. Pamela Balogh, Clinical Assistant Professor, School of Nursing, CHHS 
• Dr. Jill Waity, Professor, Sociology and Criminology, CHHSA 
• Dr. Ana Ferrell, Assistant Professor, School of Nursing, CHHS 
• Dr. Rich Ginnetti, Assistant Professor of Practice, Master of Healthcare Administration, School of Health and Applied Human Sciences, CHHS 
• Dr. Susan Glose, Assistant Professor, School of Nursing, CHHS 
• Dr. Melissa Kovich, Assistant Professor, School of Nursing, CHHS 

Presented by:  

• M. Leah Mayo, MPH, MCHES®, Assistant Dean for Community Engagement and Health Equity, College of Health and Human Services 
• Deborah (Deby) Tyndall, PhD, RN, CNE, Associate Professor, School of Nursing, College of Health and Human Services 

Register here!

Research That Resonates: Building Visibility, Value, and Voice 

3-4:30 p.m. 
McNeill Hall 1005 and Online

Fostering understanding through storytelling can enhance your credibility and fuel your connection with your audience. Learn best practices for showcasing your research, including increasing visibility, demonstrating scholarly impact and utilizing social media. This session will also cover university guidance for website development, donation solicitation and media interactions. Bring your laptop for a hands-on learning opportunity. 

Co-sponsored by Research & Innovation, UNCW Library, and UNCW's Clinical Research Program 

Presented by:  

• Sam Winemiller, MSIS, PhD, Open Knowledge and Research Impact Librarian, UNCW Library
• Ben Blumenthal, Marketing and Communications Specialist, UNCW Research and Innovation  

Register here!

Construyendo Puentes: Strengthening Providers' Linguistic and Cultural Competence to Better Serve Spanish-Speaking Patients

Tuesday, March 24
9:30-10:45 a.m. 

As the number of Spanish‑speaking patients grows in the United States, future health and human services professionals will need strong linguistic and cultural skills. This presentation highlights a three-part model—interpreter training, Spanish for health professions coursework, and community engagement—to equip students for real-world communication.   
  
Explore the importance of trained interpreters in supporting patient safety, ethical practice, and culturally responsive care. Hear how Spanish for health professions courses build essential vocabulary, communication strategies, and cultural awareness. Learn about internships, service‑learning, and partnerships with clinics and nonprofits that can strengthen language abilities while serving the community.  
  
Gain insight into interpreter preparation, how to support intermediate and advanced Spanish learners, and ways to collaborate through internships, volunteer roles, or service projects. 

Presented by:

• Amanda Boomershine, PhD, Professor of Spanish and Linguistics, Department of World Languages and Cultures 
• Stephanie Tucker, MA, Senior Lecturer of Spanish, Department of World Languages and Cultures 
• Maria Rodriguez, Program Director, Community Spanish Interpreter, Cape Fear Community College

Register here!

Faith + Science: A Holistic Approach to Addiction Care 

Tuesday, March 24
11 a.m.-12:15 p.m. 

Integrating clinical science, community supports, faith-based systems, and structured services can promote long-term thriving to those struggling with substance and alcohol use disorders. Hear about how Christian Recovery Centers emphasizes systems engagement, progressive autonomy, and community reintegration. Explore how multi-layered supports, from clinical detox to spiritual mentorship, interact across time to stabilize, empower, and sustain individuals in recovery providing a blueprint for collaborative care, cross-sector alignment, and faith-informed transformation. 

Presented by:

• Joshua Torbich, M.A., CEO, Christian Recovery Centers; President, Bridge to 100 Network 

Register here!

Supporting Latino Immigrant Families Through a Culturally Responsive Approach

Tuesday, March 24
12-1:45 p.m.

Gain a deeper understanding of Latino immigrant families through the lens of the person–process–context–time model, highlighting how to provide meaningful, culturally responsive support. Together, we’ll explore practical tools and community-based resources that empower service providers to meet families where they are—with respect and compassion.

Presented by:

• Rebeca Carpenter, LCSW, Executive Director and Mental Health Therapist, El Cuerpo
• Victoria Velazco, LCSWA, Therapist, Coastal Horizons Clinica Latina 

Register here!

Housing is Healthcare: Outcomes in Permanent Supportive Housing

Tuesday, March 24
2-3:15 p.m.

When homeless‑service agencies and healthcare providers work together, individuals are more likely to achieve lasting stability in both health and housing. Hear from the Good Shepherd Center, Cape Fear HealthNet, Cape Fear Clinic, about their partnership and success stories of their clients and patients.  

Presented by:  

• Liz Carbone, MPA, Project Specialist, NC Coalition for Homelessness 
• Katrina Knight, MSW, Executive Director, Good Shepherd Center 
• Leslie Smiley, Executive Director, Cape Fear Health Net  

Register here!

Keynote: Driven by Your Why: The Power of Purpose 

Tuesday, March 24
6-8 p.m.

What fuels your why? In health and human services, purpose is the force that ignites passion, sustains resilience, and inspires us to go above and beyond for the people and communities we serve. Reconnect with the values and experiences that shape meaningful work. Charin Hanlon, MD, FACP, will share her “Why Story” and explore how aligning with one’s purpose can deepen impact across people, professions, and places. A panel of health and human services professionals will build on this theme, offering real‑world insights into staying grounded, motivated, and purpose‑driven in complex and evolving fields. Participants will leave inspired to reflect on their own why, and how it can guide a fulfilling, purpose‑centered career. 

Keynote Speaker & Panel Moderator:

• Charin Hanlon, MD, FACP, Vice President of Medical Education, Novant Health NHRMC Designated Institutional Official, Professor, Internal Medicine, UNC Chapel Hill

Panelists:

• Sarah Arthur, MSW, LCSW, Director Community Health, Novant Health NHRMC
• Roberto Ramirez, BSN, RN, Staff Nurse-Emergency Services, Novant Health NHRMC
• Christine Webb, RN, MSN, Nurse Manager ICCU/PCU, Novant Health NHRMC 

Register here!

From Patient to Policy: A Cross-Disciplinary Blueprint for Transforming Care

Wednesday, March 25
9-9:50 a.m. 

Explore how lived experience, interprofessional collaboration, and community engagement can transform patient care and influence policy. Drawing from Shay Webb's journey living with chronic conditions and a clinical research professional across site, CRO, and sponsor levels, she will illustrate what happens when “health without borders” becomes a guiding practice.

Through real-world examples from clinical trials, statewide disability councils, and national diabetes advocacy—including work with legislators, federal agencies, and community partners—see how patient perspectives, health literacy, research, and policy intersect to shape outcomes.

This session demonstrates how breaking down silos between people, professions, and places leads to more equitable and effective care. Gain an actionable blueprint for integrating patient-centered thinking, cross-disciplinary partnerships, and policy awareness into their future work. Attendees will leave with strategies they can use immediately to strengthen communication, build trust with diverse communities, and contribute to systems-level change. 

Presented by:

• Shay Webb '20, '23M, Advisory Councilmember, North Carolina Statewide Independent Living Council

Register here!

Training: Use of Voice-Activated Smart Speakers for Promoting Health, Wellness, and Independence

Wednesday, March 25
10 - 11:15 a.m. 

Many older adults living with chronic conditions are aging in the community. Promoting the health, wellness, and independence of this population requires care coordination among older adults, caregivers, healthcare providers, and training students to enhance health, wellness, and independence. The use of digital devices, such as voice-activated smart speakers (e.g., Echo Dot with Alexa), can serve as a digital health assistant to leverage care.

This workshop will introduce the voice-activated smart speaker to participants (older adults, caregivers, healthcare professionals, and training students) and demonstrate its use in daily life to promote health, wellness, and independence. Through demonstrations, guided training, and hands-on practice, participants will use prompts/voice commands to interact with and use the smart speaker.

Presented by:

• Shamatree Shakya, PhD, MGS, Assistant Professor, UNC Wilmington School of Nursing 

Register here!

Importance of Collaboration in a Social Care Health Hub Model

Wednesday, March 25
10-10:50 a.m.

This dynamic panel discussion features leading experts who have successfully collaborated on the design and implementation of innovative social care hub models addressing Health-Related Social Needs (HRSN), such as food insecurity and housing instability, offering attendees practical insights into how multidisciplinary teams can create high-quality, integrated, person-centered systems that improve health outcomes for individuals and communities.

Explore the full lifecycle of the hub model—from initial concept development through operational rollout—highlighting key strategies for stakeholder engagement, governance, sustainability, and funding alignment, while also addressing common challenges such as data sharing and workforce integration. Through real-world examples, learn how collaborative approaches can enhance service accessibility, streamline care coordination, and build community trust.

Gain actionable knowledge on building effective cross-sector partnerships among health, social care, and community organizations; leveraging technology and data to support impactful integrated service delivery; and ensuring equity and inclusivity in hub design.

This session is ideal for policymakers, service leaders, community organizations, and practitioners seeking to replicate or adapt successful models. You'll leave equipped with practical tools and strategies to drive meaningful, community-centered change. 

Presented by:

• Kim Gore, Chief Operations Officer, WARM NC 
• Casey Merritt, BSN, RN, CCM, Director of Care Management & Population Health, Community Care of the Lower Cape Fear 
• Sarah Ridout, MBA, SPHR, Director of Community Programs, Community Care of the Lower Cape Fear 
• April Parker, MS, LCMHC, Healthy Opportunities Program Director, AmeriHealth Caritas 
• Megan Rose, PharmD, Deputy Director, Community Care of the Lower Cape Fear 

Register here!

Cultivating Community: How Feast Down East is Connecting the Local Food System in Southeastern North Carolina

Wednesday, March 25
11-11:50 a.m.

Hear a highlight of Feast Down East's work, including its key programs, including the Food Hub, Mobile Farmers’ Market, Food Rx program, and Farmers Fighting Hunger, all of which are grounded in a mission to support the local farming community by connecting small farms to market and distribution opportunities while expanding community access to locally grown, nutrient-dense foods.

Through partnerships across the region, Feast Down East works to connect vulnerable populations to essential resources such as food, nutrition education, and healthcare, while also collaborating with higher education partners like ECU and UNCW through internship, service-learning, and Health Equity Bonner Fellowship programs that provide students from a wide range of majors with hands-on experience in community service and a deeper understanding of how interconnected and impactful our food system truly is. 

Presented by:

• Susannah Spratt, MPH, CHES, Mobile Market Manager, Feast Down East 
• Kacie Boyce, B.S., Mobile Market Coordinator, Feast Down East 

Register here!

From Teal Zone to Blue Zone: Reimagining UNCW as a Longevity Campus

Wednesday, March 25
12-12:50 p.m. 

Blue Zones are places in the world with the healthiest, longest-living populations. These regions offer powerful lessons centered on a holistic lifestyle. Using evidence-based longevity principles, this interactive session will challenge you to reimagine UNCW’s campus and its surrounding community to bridges global wisdom with local, actionable strategies. Participants from diverse professional backgrounds, public health, nursing, social work, nutrition, exercise science, psychology, education, and beyond, will address campus wellness through multiple lenses. 

Presented by:

• Wes Porter, Executive Assistant for Community Engagement and Health Equity, CHHS; CHHS 294: Blue Zones and Healthy Living – Lessons from Sardinia Co-Instructor
• M. Leah Mayo, Assistant Dean for Community Engagement and Health Equity, CHHS; CHHS 294 Blue Zones and Healthy Living Lessons from Sardinia Co-Instructor 

Register here!

How Quality Improvement Can Be Used in a Community Organization

Wednesday, March 25
1-1:50 p.m.

Explore how the presenters collaborated with the Columbus County Health Department Leadership Team to apply Quality Improvement (QI) and Quality Assurance (QA) principles in public health, emphasizing their role in accreditation, organizational growth, and community impact. Quality improvement in public health involves a deliberate, structured process—such as Plan-Do-Study-Act—focused on activities that respond to community needs and enhance population health. It represents a continuous effort to achieve measurable improvements in efficiency, effectiveness, performance, accountability, outcomes, and other quality indicators, all aimed at advancing equity and improving community health. These practices are supported by leading organizations, including the APHA, CDC, and Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, as well as other accreditation bodies.   

Presented by:

• Carol Highsmith, Ed.D, MPA-NE, RN, Lecturer, School of Nursing 
• Denise Isibel, DNP, MSN, RN, CNE, Clinical Assistant Professor, School of Nursing  
• Lenis Chen-Edinboro, Ph.D., Ed.M., Associate Professor of Public Health, School of Health and Applied Human Sciences 

Register here!

Begin the Conversation: Connecting Patients, Families, and Healthcare Providers through Advance Care Planning

Wednesday, March 25
2-2:50 p.m. 

At any point in life, a serious illness or injury may leave you unable to communicate your health care wishes, making advance care planning an essential step in ensuring your preferences are understood and honored. Advance care planning encourages individuals to reflect on possible health care choices, discuss those decisions with loved ones and health care providers, and put plans in writing so they are prepared if the need arises. This session helps participants identify their health care preferences and offers practical guidance for beginning conversations with family members and providers, while also explaining how Advance Directives—such as a Living Will and Health Care Power of Attorney—can be used to legally document those choices. Having a plan in place increases the likelihood that your wishes will be followed and serves as a meaningful gift to those who may one day face difficult decisions on your behalf—so don’t wait, now is the time to start the conversation. 

Presented by:

• Jason Clamme, Community Impact Executive, Lower Cape Fear LifeCare 

Register here!

Advancing Human Services through Partnerships with Faith Communities 

Wednesday, March 25
3-3:50 p.m. 

Faith communities in North Carolina, where approximately 80% of the population self-identifies with a religious tradition, are uniquely positioned to serve as trusted spaces for healing, support, and connection. To become truly trauma-informed, faith leaders must build strong relationships with human service providers so they can effectively connect congregants to appropriate resources, support, and treatment. 

The North Carolina Council of Churches’s goal is to help congregations raise awareness and reduce stigma around mental well-being by fostering a culture of care that addresses the mental health crisis, improves mental health literacy, and strengthens community resilience. Achieving this vision relies on collaboration with human services professionals who help position faith communities as central hubs of support, ensuring mental well-being is recognized as an essential component of holistic health across North Carolina. This session will highlight strategies for identifying and mobilizing community assets, strengthening faith-and-health partnerships, and curating culturally relevant initiatives, while intentionally exploring the bridge needed to connect people, professions, and places across the traditional divide between church and state. 

Presented by:  

• Rev. Dr. Arlecia Simmons, Partners in Health and Wholeness East Regional Associate Director, North Carolina Council of Churches

Register here!

Hereditary Cancer, Nutrigenomics, and Personalized Prevention: Understanding Your Body’s Blueprint for Better Health

Wednesday, March 25
4-5:30 p.m. 

Hereditary cancer risk is more than a genetic possibility—it is an opportunity to understand how the body functions, responds to stressors, and can be supported through informed choices. Explore the relationship between inherited cancer syndromes, gene expression, and the emerging field of nutrigenomics, providing participants with a clear understanding of how lifestyle factors, nutrition, detoxification pathways, and targeted supplementation interact with genetic predispositions to influence long-term health outcomes. Participants will review the fundamentals of hereditary cancer genetics, including common mutations such as BRCA1/2 and Lynch syndrome markers, and examine how inherited risk informs prevention and screening strategies. The session then transitions into nutrigenomics, highlighting how individual metabolic pathways can guide personalized, supportive interventions, particularly for individuals navigating survivorship, chronic inflammation, or ongoing health monitoring. 
 
Aligned with the HHSW theme, this session emphasizes practical, science-based, whole-body approaches that empower informed decision-making, illustrating how genes and environment interact, what genetic testing can reveal, and how small, intentional daily choices can strengthen and protect the body, fostering confidence and proactive engagement in personal and supportive health journeys. 

Presented by:  

• Elizabeth D. Barnes, Co-Founder and Executive Director, Hope Abounds Cancer Network 
• Heather King, CHHP, ACS-LION, MBA, DHSc(s)

Register here!

Keynote: Innovations in Athletic Training

Wednesday, March 25
6-8 p.m.  

Details forthcoming.

Register here!

Collaborate To Serve  

Thursday, March 26
9:30-10:45 a.m. 

This interactive training is designed for all employees—from frontline staff to supervisors—with the goal of strengthening collaboration across roles, departments, and with external stakeholders and community members. In an era of rapid change, collaboration is essential for agility, innovation, and service excellence.

The training provides participants with the mindset and tools needed to work more effectively together, both within the organization and with the broader community. By the end of the session, you'll be able to define what collaboration looks like within their organization, apply strategies to foster psychological safety and mutual respect across all levels, use tools for active listening, understanding others’ perspectives, and navigating conflict constructively, and practice methods for effective collaboration across departments and with community partners. 

Presented by:

• L.S. “Bo” Dean Jr., Senior Human Resources Analyst, Learning and Development, New Hanover County

Register here!

Move to Improve: Movement and Mindful Walking for Stress Relief

Thursday, March 26
11 a.m.-12:15 p.m. 

This session provides information and practical examples demonstrating how incorporating brief stretching breaks and mindful walks into the workday can help reduce stress related to workload demands and everyday external stressors. 

Presented by:

• Lilly Bencivenga, Public Health student 
• Jesus G. Regino, Public Health student
• Aneliese Gerraughty, Public Health student
• Heidi Cazarez-Manilla, Public Health student

Register here!

Your Health, Our Community: A Look into New Hanover County's Community Health Needs Assessment

Thursday, March 26
12:30-1:45 p.m. 

This session provides an overview of the community health assessment process in North Carolina, including state requirements and the Results-Based Accountability (RBA) framework. Participants will examine the collaborative approach used to develop New Hanover County’s 2025 Community Health Needs Assessments (CHNAs), review the identified health priorities, and engage in an interactive activity to apply the RBA framework in informing the Community Health Improvement Plan. 

Presented by:

• Eugenia Johnson, MPH, CHES, Lead Health Educator, New Hanover County Health and Human Services  
• Emma Cary, Health Educator, New Hanover County Health and Human Services

Register here!

Case Study Competition (Pitch Event)

Thursday, March 26
2-3:15 p.m. 

The Case Study Competition is designed to train the next generation of leaders through a unique, real-world challenge–based experience. Selected students will be placed on interprofessional teams of three to four students from across the College of Health and Human Services, where they will apply discipline-specific knowledge to address complex community issues while learning to leverage the unique skills and perspectives of each team member. The competition requires an estimated 10-hour commitment, including an initial kickoff meeting, dedicated team collaboration time, and a culminating pitch event.  

Register here!

Sloppy Mountain: A Virtual Interprofessional Education Game

Thursday, March 26
5:30-7:30 p.m.
  
Based on the popular escape room phenomenon, Sloppy Mountain Medical Center is MUSC’s unique teamwork challenge, which is played entirely online. The game is grounded in interprofessional health care delivery and takes place in a simulated hospital setting. Working in small teams, players must problem-solve collaboratively, communicate clearly, and work together under time-constraints in order to discharge patients and clean up a very disorganized and confusing virtual medical center. 

Presented by:

• Olivia Baker, Interprofessional Education Coordinator, College of Health and Human Services 

Register here!