The UNC Whole Brian Health Program (WBHP) has been awarded funding from the Health Resources and services Administration (HRSA) via a Transition for Youth with Autism and/or Epilepsy Demonstration Project. This funding award will provide $2,248,752 over the course of 5 years to expand the existing UNC Neurology Transition to Adult Clinic into the Whole Brain Health Program.
The Whole Brain Health Program is a new interdisciplinary project that will provide counseling, education, and comprehensive neurological care to adolescents and young adults with epilepsy. This program will specifically focus on patients who have co-occurring intellectual and developmental disabilities and those who are from marginalized backgrounds.
The three goals of the Whole Brain Health Program include:
- Conduct an analysis of all transition services and support programs for children with autism and/or epilepsy and their families/caregivers in North Carolina.
- Establish a high-level-care clinic that offers interdisciplinary care, family counseling services, and peer support.
- Provide physician and provider training based on the Six Core Elements of Health Care Transition.
The Transition for Youth with Autism and/or Epilepsy program operates nationally in 11 states and is supported by the Association of Maternal and Child Health Programs. The goal of the program is to improve the health and social systems that help youth with Autism and/or Epilepsy as they become adults. Learn more about the Transition for Youth with Autism and/or Epilepsy national program here.
The UNC Whole Brain Health Program will launch in September 2024. Keep an eye out for more information and updates about the program.