In 2019, a UNC Mental Health Coalition was founded to bring together student leaders from various identity-based and mental health-focused organizations on campus. However, the group disbanded in 2021 due to leadership changes during the pandemic. Junior students Harini Somanchi and Neha Saggi revived the coalition in January of this year, serving as co-directors of the department of student wellness and safety in the Undergraduate Executive Branch.
The coalition aims to increase awareness of mental health resources on campus and coordinate the efforts of different student groups. It is now represented by approximately 15 organizations, including the Carolina Covenant Student Advisory Council, the National Alliance on Mental Illness On Campus, and the Minority Student Caucus.
During their first meeting in January, representatives heard from UNC’s Counseling and Psychological Services Director Avery Cook about myths surrounding CAPS and mental health resources at UNC. Emily Hernandez, a UNC junior and resilience outreach intern for Healthy Heels, indicated that there was positive feedback from coalition members following the meeting.
Looking ahead, the representatives are planning a social media campaign to disseminate information shared during the meeting. This includes informing others that CAPS offers brief therapy appointments and walk-in care services. Somanchi emphasized the importance of spreading this information to organizations and promoting mental health resources across campus.