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Health & Human Services Week

2024 Events

Global Connections: CHHS International Education Symposium  

8:30 a.m.–12 p.m. 
Virtual via Zoom

Take a world-wide journey to explore the transformative power of international education. The UNCW College of Health and Human Services and the Office of International Programs will present an array of study abroad experiences featuring speakers and panelists from UNCW and across the world. Discover the impact of global education firsthand through alumni testimonials and interactive discussions. Gain invaluable insights into personal and professional growth from CHHS and international students followed by a lively networking session. This symposium promises to ignite curiosity and inspire the next generation of global citizens. Don’t miss your chance to broaden your horizons and explore the possibilities of studying abroad!

 Register here


Keeping It Real, Keeping It True: Approaches to Research Over Time

Distinguished Researcher Presentation: Noell L. Rowan, Ph.D., MSW, LCSW, LCAS

1 p.m. 
Azalea Coast Room, Fisher University Union or Via Zoom

Dr. Noell Rowan provides the keynote address on how she navigated several key studies over time while staying true to main research areas. Given her passion for advocating to promote quality of life among marginalized populations, she is particularly interested in exploring and examining positive health outcomes, enhancing empathy and culturally sensitive health care for older adults, members of the LGBTQ communities, and persons dealing with substance use disorders / addictions, and recovery. 

Dr. Rowan is a professor of social work and a gerontologist whose clinical experience and research focuses on gerontology, LGBT populations, substance use/addictions, and the impact on interdisciplinary and social work practice. She has authored more than 40 publications including articles and co-editing a book. Rowan was funded by the John A. Hartford Faculty Scholars Program in Geriatric Social Work specific to resilience of older lesbian women with alcoholism and has been the recipient of many awards in practice, leadership and service.  

Register here


Interactive Poster Session and Networking

2:30 p.m.
Warwick Center

Spend the afternoon learning from and engaging with College of Health and Human Services researchers. Hosted by CHHS Research & Innovation. 

Yoga on the Lawn: Presented by CHHS Yoga Studies Students

8:45-9:30 a.m. 
Health Sciences Quad (Rain Location: McNeill Hall 1051) 

Find tranquility in nature with a morning of yoga, relaxation and community. Discover inner peace and harmony as you stretch and breathe in sync with nature, guided by CHHS Yoga Studies students. Whether you're a seasoned yogi or a beginner, don’t miss this opportunity to rejuvenate your body, mind and spirit – and reconnect with yourself and the world around you.  

*Yoga mats provided by the Pat Leonard Student Recreation Center.  


Community Resiliency Model Training

10-11 a.m.
McNeill Hall 1051

The Community Resiliency Model (CRM) 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. Join us as we work 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.

This CRM Workshop introduces wellness skills designed for folks of all abilities to learn to track their own nervous systems to bring the body, mind and spirit back into greater balance, and to encourage people to pass the skills along to family, friends, and the wider community. 


Calming Canvas

11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
McNeill Hall 1051

Paula Baisden, an assistant professor in the School of Nursing and a therapeutic arts instructor, will teach you how to use art to de-stress and relax. No experience needed and supplies provided. Please note, a brief instruction on how to paint a particular picture will be provided for those who do not want to come up with their own subject, but participants are welcome to paint whatever helps them relax. 


Self-Guided Wellness Walk

12:30-2 p.m.
Self-Guided, UNCW Campus

Did you know that walking outdoors is proven to boost your mood and reduce stress levels? Whether you're craving fresh air, or need to stretch your legs, discover the power of nature with a walk around UNCW's campus. Treat yourself to a leisurely stroll down Chancellor's Walk or through the Bluthenthal Wildflower Preserve. Your mental and physical health will thank you! 


Eating to Nourish Mind, Body, and Soul

2-3:30 p.m.
Wagoner Dining Hall and Madeline Suite

We are often given advice about eating for weight loss or weight management, but what about eating in a way that promotes mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being? Dr. Kit Huelskamp, associate professor of healthful living and fitness education and Campus Dietitian Chelsea Stant host an interactive food experience and guided tasting opportunity that explores how diet culture might be killing us!


paws4people®: Transforming Lives for a Better Tomorrow

4-5 p.m.
McNeill Hall 1051

Learn about how paws4people® provides life-changing assistance dogs for individuals with disabilities, veterans and children with special needs through their specialized training and unwavering support. Stay for cuddles, wagging tails and sloppy kisses that will warm your heart and leave a lasting impression. 

 Register for any and all events here

Hope Abounds: Stepping into Your Genes

8:30-9 a.m.: Breakfast
9-11:30 a.m.: Program
11:30 a.m.-12 p.m.: Vendor Showcase & Lunch
McNeill Hall 1051 

Step into your genes in this interactive genetic program in partnership with Hope Abounds Cancer Network and UNCW College of Health and Human Services. Using a toolkit, you'll learn your risk for hereditary cancer with an on-site geneticist and how to empower health care decision-making and self-advocacy to provide meaningful connections with your genetic history to Learn it, Own it, Live it. 


Health Equity Simulation

1-2:30 p.m.
Veterans Hall 3rd Floor Connector and Problem Based Learning Labs

In this interactive simulation, explore how social determinants of health like low income, food insecurity, literacy barriers and access to health insurance play a key role in determining how individuals engage in treatment plans and healthy behaviors. You’ll be challenged to meet your basic needs and handle life-like situations. Connect with and learn about partner agencies addressing social determinants of health in our community and be better equipped to share resources to help improve health outcomes. Registration closes April 3.


SpeedConnect: A Networking Event

3-5 p.m. 
Veterans Hall 3rd Floor Connector and Problem Based Learning Labs

Get ready to connect, learn, and grow at SpeedConnect! Join community partners, students, faculty, and staff for conversations on leadership, networking, grant writing, and more. Facilitated discussions offer the perfect platform to make meaningful connections and provide insights into your current projects and initiatives. Don’t miss out on this exciting event! Light refreshments will be provided. Registration closes April 3.

 Register for any and all events here

Empowering Maternal Health: Shaping Policy for Change 

8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. 
Warwick Center, Ballroom A 

This Health Summit aims to increase awareness of maternal health disparities that exist for marginalized communities and empower attendees to take action to impact positive change. Nationally recognized keynote speakers Dr. Nikia Grayson, Charles Johnson IV, and Stacey Brayboy and engaging panel discussions will provide opportunities to learn about a variety of topics including reproductive justice, bodily autonomy, and access to healthcare.

Space is limited. CHHS Community Engagement and Health Equity is waiving the registration fee for faculty, staff, and students by using the promo code: UNCWCHHS

Hosted by the College of Health and Human Services and the YWCA of the Lower Cape Fear. 

Register here


Celebrating Industry Connections: 20 Years of Clinical Research Education at UNC Wilmington

5:30 p.m. Networking  •  6 p.m. Program
Veterans Hall 1032, UNCW Campus

Teresa Dunlap, vice president and head of North America Clinical Operations at ICON — a leading contract research organization —  will provide her unique perspective into the world of clinical research from her personal journey to her professional experience.

She will address the need for practical understanding, adaptability, and collaboration to face the challenges and opportunities in the future.

Sponsored in part by North Carolina Biotechnology Center

RSVP here by April 4

Come together in service! Volunteering helps develop leadership skills, make a positive impact, and enhances the academic experience by applying classroom knowledge to real-world problems. CHHS faculty, staff, and students are encouraged to sign up in teams or individually.

Details of each service opportunity are listed below. Registration is through GivePulse.

Willowdale Farm  
9 a.m.-12 p.m. 
Support Community Enrichment Initiatives Inc (CEII) at Willowdale Urban Farm. Tend community garden beds, prep rows for plants, and plant seeds to provide the foundations for a bountiful harvest! No prior experience needed. This opportunity is available on a first-come, first-served basis and has space for individuals or a group of up to 12! Register by March 29.

Willowdale farm Sign up

Catholic Charities  
9-11:30 a.m.
This opportunity will provide experience operating a local food pantry! No prior experience needed. This opportunity is available on a first-come, first-served basis and has space for individuals or a group of up to 3! Register by March 29.

Catholic Charities Sign Up

Cape Fear River Watch  
9 a.m.-12 p.m.
Volunteers are needed for painting, landscaping, and sustainable weeding! No prior experience needed. This opportunity is available on a first-come, first-served basis and has space for individuals or a group of up to 20! Register by March 29.

Cape Fear River Watch Sign Up

Feast Down East  
10:45 a.m.-1:15 p.m. or 1:45–4:15 p.m. 
Assist with grocery maintenance, produce allocation, and point of sale transactions! No prior experience needed. This opportunity is available on a first-come, first-served basis, space is limited to 2. Register by March 29.

Feast Down East Sign Up

Rise Up Community Farm  
1-3 p.m. 

Tend community garden beds, prep rows for plants, and plant seeds to provide the foundations for a bountiful harvest! No prior experience needed. This opportunity is available on a first-come, first-served basis and has space for individuals or a group of up to 12! Register by March 29.

Rise Up Community Farm Sign Up

Willie Stargell 5K Road Race

7:30-9:30 a.m. 
Mayfaire Town Center (Behind Belk) 

936 Town Center Drive 
Wilmington, NC 28405 

  • 7:30 a.m. - Packet Pickup Opens 
  • 8:30 a.m.- 5K Starts 
  • 8:35 a.m. - 1 Mile Starts 
  • 9:30 a.m. - Awards Brunch Begins (awards will be awarded at approximately 9:40 a.m.)  

*All participants receive a ticket to the Willie Stargell 5K Awards Brunch at Coquina Fish Bar Restaurant (next door to Mayfaire Regal Theater) 
 
Register here

Contact Community Engagement

Leah Mayo, Assistant Dean for Community Engagement and Health Equity

Veterans Hall 1509 and 1511
engagechhs@uncw.edu 
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