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...

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...

2-2:50 p.m. 
McNeill Hall 1027

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

3-4:30 p.m. 
McNeill Hall 1005


Can't join us in-person? Register to attend virtually 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 development, donation solicitation 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...

2-3:15 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...

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...

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...

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...

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....

3-3:50 p.m. 
McNeill Hall 1005

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

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...

2-2:50 p.m. 
McNeill Hall 1005

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

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...

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...

9-9:50 a.m. 
McNeill Hall 1051

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

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...

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...

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,...

9:30-10:45 a.m. 
McNeill Hall 1005

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

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...

12:30–1:15 p.m.: Opening
1:30-2:30 p.m.: Panel Discussion
McNeill Hall 1051
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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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,...