Rising from the Ashes: The Revival of the UNC Mental Health Coalition and its Mission to Promote Student Wellness

In 2019, the UNC Mental Health Coalition was founded with the goal of bringing together student leaders from various identity-based and mental health-focused organizations on campus. However, due to leadership changes during the pandemic, the coalition was disbanded in 2021. Junior students Harini Somanchi and Neha Saggi took it upon themselves to revive the group in January of this year, becoming co-directors of the department of student wellness and safety in the Undergraduate Executive Branch.

The coalition’s mission is to increase awareness of mental health resources on campus and coordinate the efforts of different student groups. With approximately 15 organizations represented, including the Carolina Covenant Student Advisory Council, the National Alliance on Mental Illness On Campus, and the Minority Student Caucus, it serves as a collaborative body for individuals interested in mental health on campus to streamline their efforts.

During its first meeting as a new group 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.

The UNC Mental Health Coalition is now back in action with renewed energy and determination to make a difference on campus by bringing together student leaders focused on mental health issues and promoting awareness of available resources.