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Welcome!

I will be your primary administrative resource and you are welcome and encouraged to contact me with any questions. Sandy Williams – sandy_williams@med.unc.edu, 919-962-8104, 1001 Bondurant Hall.

How do I help someone in crisis?

If someone is a threat to themselves or others please act!
1. Call 911 if someone is in immediate danger to themselves or others
2. UNC CAPS 24/7 phone line: 919-966-3658
3. National Suicide Prevention Hotline 24/7: English 1-800-273-8255 // Spanish 1-888-628-9454
4. Hope4NC Helpline: 1-855-587-3463
5. Crisis Text Line: Text “TALK” to 741741

How to help someone calm down?

1. Consciously breathe with a 4-count inhale and 4-count exhale.
2. Have them visualize a safe or peaceful place.
3. Mindful body scan.
4. Have them half-smile to cultivate a sense of serenity.
5. Have them name 5 things they see, 4 things they hear, 3 things they can touch, 2 things they can smell, and take 1 slow, deep breath.

Resources

We are lucky to have a medical school with a wealth of individuals and resources dedicated to supporting student wellbeing and success.  However, that can make it challenging to know where specifically to turn.  As College Advocates, you will be the starting point for many people.  We hope that the following information will help you know where to direct folks to best meet their needs. There is no wrong answer as all these resources are dedicated to supporting students and there is overlap in the support provide.

College Advisor
Formalized faculty support through the Advisory College program.  They serve as the primary support and are a great place to start.  They are able to refer students to the appropriate resources.  Students may schedule appointments with advisors through the Navigate app on the student IPads.

Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)
Mental health and well-being support provided by 2 SOM wellness counselors.  These counselors are trained health care providers with experience of supporting medical students.  The services provided through CAPS are covered by medical student insurance and fees. Group-based support is also available, please check with CAPS for current offerings.  In addition, CAPS has a Multicultural Health Program that focuses on the needs of Black, Indigenous, and Students of Color at UNC Chapel Hill.
Financial Assistance may be available for community-based mental health support for medical students with financial need. Please have any student interested in the financial assistance contact their advisor.

CAPS 24/7 Phone line: 919-966-3658

Campus Health
Wide range of medical services for all full-time students including vaccinations, gynecological services, gender-affirming care, and disordered eating specialists.  Many services (including the Pharmacy) are available at reduced or no charge.  Appointments may be scheduled by phone (919-966-2281) or online through the Healthy Heels web portal.

UNC Student Wellness
Student Wellness at UNC-CH seeks to enhance the individual and collective health of our campus and wider community through a wide range of programs, services and resources. In partnership with CAPS, Campus Health Services, Campus Recreation, and other UNC-CH departments and academic units, student organizations and peer advocates, as well as state and local agencies, we develop, promote and advocate for a campus and community environment that creates, emphasizes and supports healthy choices and positive decision-making regarding health, safety and wellness.

Learning Environment Liaison
The School of Medicine appoints Campus Learning Environment Liaisons who offer a safe forum where students are welcome to talk in confidence about potential student maltreatment or inappropriate learning environment.  If students wish to make an anonymous report they may submit this form: https://www.med.unc.edu/md/forms/student-mistreatment-and-learning-environment-concern/

Office of Academic Excellence (OAE)
The OAE offers resources and skill develop in time management, test taking, board exam prep, clinical skill development and more.  Clinical Academic Resource Directors are available at each campus. Email: oae@med.unc.edu

Office of Scholastic Enrichment and Equity (OSE2)
The OSE2 provides underrepresented students with direct academic, social, and professional support and development.  They also support several student organizations including: SNMA, LMSA, IMA, MSPA. Email: osee@med.unc.edu

Carolina Women’s Center (CWC)
The CWC leads efforts and initiatives related to women and gender equity and serves as a hub for all activities, information, and collaborations on these topics.  They provide confidential support and advocacy for those who have experienced or been impacted by gender-based violence or harassment. Email: cwc@unc.edu

Safe Zone Training

It is strongly encouraged that you attend Safe Zone Training on Main Campus. Go to https://lgbtq.unc.edu/programs-services/safe-zone for more information.