Health & Human Services Week 2026

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...

2-2:50 p.m. 
Online

https://uncw.zoom.us/j/81791636173?pwd=fWWuZScKXat8CfVFNbPXSAdJFyvSQA.1 

Passcode: HHSW26

Can't attend virtually? Register to join us in-person here.

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...

2-2:50 p.m. 
Online

https://uncw.zoom.us/j/86213132168?pwd=i0EuR7aU26PzmhBfjeujJtvUogZVXN.1
Passcode: HHSW 2026

Can't attend virtually? Register to join us in-person here. 

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...

3-4:30 p.m. 
Online

https://uncw.zoom.us/j/86213132168?pwd=i0EuR7aU26PzmhBfjeujJtvUogZVXN.1
Passcode: HHSW 2026

Can't attend virtually? Register to join us in-person here. 

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...

9-10 a.m. 
McNeill Hall 1005 

Can't join us in-person? Register to attend virtually here.

Kickoff Remarks Presented By: Dr. Jack Watson II, Dean, College of Health & Human Services & Novant Health

Managing a research agenda can feel like juggling endless priorities from projects, deadlines, collaborations, to the pressure to publish....

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...

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

Can't join us in-person? Register to attend virtually here.

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...

12:30-1:45 p.m.
Online

https://uncw.zoom.us/j/86213132168?pwd=i0EuR7aU26PzmhBfjeujJtvUogZVXN.1
Passcode: HHSW 2026

Can't attend virtually? Register to join us in-person here. 

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...

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...

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

Can't join us in-person? Register to attend virtually here. 

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...

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

Can't join us in-person? Register to attend virtually here. 

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....

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...

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

Can't join us in-person? Register to attend virtually here. 

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...

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

Can't join us in-person? Register to attend virtually here. 

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...

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...

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...

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

Can't attend virtually? Register to join us in-person here.

https://uncw.zoom.us/j/86213132168?pwd=i0EuR7aU26PzmhBfjeujJtvUogZVXN.1
Passcode: HHSW 2026

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. ...

12:30-1:45 p.m. 
Veterans Hall 1542

Can't join us in-person? Register to attend virtually here.

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...

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...

2-3:15 p.m. 
Veterans Hall 1514

Can't join us in-person? Register to attend virtually here.

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...

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...

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,...

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...