UNC THRIVE Program

03/03/2026

Today, we recognize the birthday of the United States Navy Reserve, a force that has served our nation with distinction for more than a century.

Since its establishment in 1915, Navy Reservists have answered the call in times of war, crisis, and national need, balancing civilian lives with a continued commitment to serve their country. Their dedication, readiness, and professionalism embody the very best of military service.

At the UNC THRIVE Program, we have the privilege of working with veterans and service members from every branch of the Armed Forces, including many who served in the Navy and Navy Reserve. Their experiences remind us that the impacts of service do not always end when the uniform comes off. Invisible wounds such as traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress can continue long after service, and addressing those challenges is essential to long-term health and well-being.

Our mission at the UNC THRIVE Program is to provide interdisciplinary care that helps veterans and first responders better understand and manage the lasting effects of service, empowering them to live healthier and more connected lives.

On the Navy Reserve Birthday, we thank the men and women who have served, and continue to serve, in this vital force

02/28/2026

Congrats to Hilary Lithgow! Teaching professor of English & Comparative Literature and a valued part of our UNC THRIVE Program team on receiving the UNC Mentor Award for Lifetime Achievement!

Hilary’s impact runs deep, from undergraduate and graduate students to the military veterans she’s consistently helping with humility, patience, and real care. Her mentees describe her “ability to remember everyone’s story” and to build relationships with veterans and first responders that feel as meaningful as those formed during active service, which is about as strong a compliment as it gets.

Hilary, thank you for being part of our UNC THRIVE Program team and leading with your heart. Our community and program are better because of you. Duty. Service. Honor. UNC THRIVE Program

Congrats to Hilary Lithgow, teaching professor of English and comparative literature, for receiving the Mentor Award for Lifetime Achievement. 🎉

Lithgow has had a profound impact on all her mentees, from undergraduate to graduate students, and, especially, military veterans. She developed the Warrior-Scholar Project, which assists with the transition from active duty to college life, and the UNC THRIVE Program for traumatic brain injury research.

Lithgow’s students wrote beautiful and heartfelt letters that spoke to her "ability to remember everyone’s story" and "foster relationships with veterans as meaningful as those they forged during active service."

Read more about Lithgow and all University Teaching Award recipients https://go.unc.edu/Ss58H

UNC English and Comparative Literature
🐏

02/20/2026

UNC THRIVE Program is hiring for several positions!

THRIVE Medical Office Assistant Part-time:
https://go.unc.edu/Qa85T

Physical Therapist I - THRIVE Program in Chapel Hill, NC, United States: https://go.unc.edu/Yq8x3

Physical Therapist II - THRIVE Program in Chapel Hill, NC, United States:
https://go.unc.edu/y9B8H

Social Worker (MSW) - THRIVE Program in Chapel Hill, NC, United States:
https://go.unc.edu/Ti3r8

Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in Chapel Hill, NC, United States:
https://go.unc.edu/e2C6D

02/04/2026

We had a very special visitor at our UNC THRIVE Program!

On January 30, 2026, Secretary Jocelyn Mallette of the North Carolina Military and Veteran Affairs (NCMVA) visited us in Chapel Hill to tour our clinical facilities and see how our program supports veterans and first responders in healing both physical and behavioral wounds. The Secretary made a point of engaging with all of our clinicians and staff who contribute daily to our mission.

After the tour, Secretary Mallette attended our Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) Knot Family Bridging Ceremony, where she spent time with veterans and first responders who had completed the 3-week IOP. She delivered an inspiring, personal speech to the graduates and our team, sharing her service in the U.S. Air Force, her family's history of service to our country, and her dedication to our military community.

We sincerely appreciate Secretary Mallette taking time out of her busy schedule to meet with our CEO, Jason Mihalik, Medical Director Dr. Shawn Kane, MD, and the entire UNC THRIVE Program team.

Madam Secretary, thank you for your visit and support of our veterans and first responders.

02/03/2026

Remembering their sacrifice...

Today, we honor Four Chaplains Day, a powerful reminder of what courage, compassion, and selfless service look like in their purest form.

On February 3, 1943, four U.S. Army chaplains—George L. Fox, Alexander D. Goode, John P. Washington, and Clark V. Poling—were among the hundreds of servicemen aboard the U.S.A.T. Dorchester when it was struck by a torpedo in the North Atlantic. Amid chaos and fear, these men of different faiths moved among the wounded and frightened, offering comfort and spiritual support. When the supply of life jackets ran out, each chaplain gave away his own, choosing to protect others ahead of himself. They perished together, arms linked in prayer as the ship sank, leaving behind a legacy of sacrifice that continues to inspire.

On this day of remembrance, we renew our commitment to fostering sacrifice, resilience, compassion, and community values that embody the spirit of the Four Chaplains.

Here at the UNC THRIVE Program, we take a moment to honor and remember their sacrifice.

02/03/2026

The message was clear: “We need to do more events like this!”

On Saturday, January 31, 2026, our Fayetteville/Fort Bragg community came out in a big way, despite the threat of 5–7 inches of snow, to attend the Brothers After War movie seminar at AMC Fayetteville 15. With 60+ attendees in the theater, it was clear people were ready to do the hard work.

This wasn’t simply a movie matinee; it was a room full of people who care about Veterans, their families, and what it truly takes to make sense of the lasting impacts of service, especially when someone feels like they can’t fully “come home” after serving in the military.

What we’ll remember most are the honest questions after the film, the nods of recognition in the audience, and the conversations that started between complete strangers who quickly stopped feeling like strangers. That’s the kind of connection we need more of. Spaces where Veterans and families can speak openly, learn from each other, and leave feeling less alone and more empowered.

The UNC THRIVE Program is thankful to Lampkins and Veterans Bridge Home for partnering with us, and to the Gary Sinise Foundation for helping bring this experience to Fayetteville. Special thanks to Jake Rademacher and Joe Rademacher for making the trip and sharing their personal experiences. Your words gave others permission to reflect on their own journeys.

Thank you also to Kendra Danzer at the Fayetteville VA Coastal Health Care System for the resource bags and continued behavioral health support, and to Makeba Jeffcoat with the Fayetteville Chapter of the 82nd Airborne Division Association and a UNC THRIVE Program Ambassador for standing in the gap for our community.

To everyone who supported this event through the UNC THRIVE Program: thank you for showing up, engaging, and proving once again that our community will rally for Veterans and their families. The message we heard after this event was clear: “We need to do more events like this!” So, let’s work together to make that happen!

Our mission at the UNC THRIVE Program is to help those who have served our country who are suffering from the lingering effects of mild to moderate traumatic brain injury or post-traumatic stress disorder. Please consider our program. We are a nonprofit community outreach program at UNC-Chapel Hill that supports Veterans, First Responders, and Active-Duty Service Members.
thriveprogram.unc.edu | (984) 215,5151

02/01/2026

**Raleigh Event Update: Brothers After War Screening**

Due to inclement weather conditions expected in the Raleigh region over the next 24 hours, the Regal North Hills theatre has regretfully decided to cancel the screening and seminar of 'Brothers After War' scheduled for Sunday, February 1.

Currently, there is no information regarding when the event might be rescheduled. Please see below.

01/05/2026

Grateful for the Teams Advancing Research and Healing!

Before the holidays, the teams from the Matthew Gfeller Center and the UNC THRIVE Program took a rare pause from life at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill to spend a late afternoon together at Triangle Curling, sharing time, laughter, and perspective.

This photo captures more than a moment of lighthearted connection. It reflects the people behind the mission.

Together, these teams stand at the intersection of research and real-world impact. They care for Veterans and First Responders navigating the lasting effects of traumatic brain injury and PTSD, while also advancing the science that is shaping the future of sports-related concussion prevention, evaluation, and recovery. Their work spans laboratories, clinics, and communities, but its purpose is singular: to protect lives, restore health, and strengthen resilience.

The Matthew Gfeller Center continues to move the science forward, challenging assumptions, refining evidence, and helping redefine how brain injuries are understood and managed in athletics.

Through the THRIVE Program, that research becomes action, translated into interdisciplinary, compassionate care for those who have served, addressing brain and body health together with dignity, respect, and long-term vision.

We are deeply grateful for these teams, for their professionalism, their compassion, and their quiet commitment to work that often carries weight beyond what is seen. Thank you for the people you serve, the futures you are shaping, and the standard you set every day. Duty. Service. Honor.

If you are a Veteran or First Responder in need of support, or if you’d like to learn more about this work, we invite you to connect with us. Wishing everyone a healthy, hopeful New Year, from all of us.

tbicenter.unc.edu
thriveprogram.unc.edu

01/01/2026

UNC THRIVE Program | 2025 Year in Review (01/01/26)

“Brain injuries are like snowflakes and fingerprints, no two are the same.” (Wendy Renzulla, TBI Survivor)

In 2025, the UNC THRIVE Program met Veterans and First Responders where they were, listening with intent and delivering whole-person, interdisciplinary care for mild to moderate TBI and PTSD.

With the support of UNC-Chapel Hill, the philanthropy of the Avalon Action Alliance, and our clinical partnership with the UNC Health Medical Group, all services were provided at no out-of-pocket cost, helping reduce barriers to care.

Since May 2022:
• 377 Participants completed our 3-day head-to-toe evaluation
• 74 Participants completed our 3-week Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)

These aren’t just numbers; they represent real people and their families who carried visible and invisible injuries for far too long and chose to pursue answers and a path forward. We’re proud of the care we provide and the community we build, where participants feel understood, leave our program with a clear path for healing, and have the continued support they can count on.

To our outstanding clinicians and staff: thank you for your expertise, compassion, and steady commitment. Your passion to find answers for our participants and your day-after-day caring efforts do not go unnoticed.
To every Veteran and First Responder who trusted us in 2025: thank you. We’re honored to stand with you and ready to continue this work in 2026.

If you or someone you know is navigating the lingering effects of TBI or PTSD, reach out. We’re here to listen and help.

thriveprogram.unc.edu
(984) 215-5151

12/24/2025

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from all of us at the UNC THRIVE Program in Chapel Hill, NC.

As we close out this year, we want to pause and say thank you, especially to the military personnel, Veterans, and first responders who trusted us enough to walk through our doors, share your story, and do the hard work of healing. We don’t take that trust lightly.

And to our dedicated UNC THRIVE Program staff and clinicians, thank you for showing up day after day with skill, compassion, and commitment. The healing that happens at THRIVE is only possible because of your steady presence and the care you provide.

We remain committed to providing thoughtful, evidence-informed, multidisciplinary care. If you or your organization is seeking support, we stand by ready to help. Awareness PTSD Awareness Action Alliance

(984) 215- 5151 www.thriveprogram.unc.edu

12/24/2025

The UNC THRIVE Program is proud to host this event alongside Veterans Bridge Home, led locally by Lampkins, with the program presented by the Gary Sinise Foundation and filmmaker Jake Rademacher (Founder/President, Metanoia Films & Perseverance Productions).
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Event: Fayetteville, NC: BROTHERS AFTER WAR: Movie & Seminar!
This is a Free Event! - Tickets/Lunch/Journal/Workbook are provided!
Saturday, Jan 31 | 12:00–4:00 PM AMC Market Fair 15 | 1916 Skibo Rd | Fayetteville, NC
Please RSVP: scan the QR code on the flyer
Space is limited - Please share with your networks so we can heal as a community!
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At the UNC THRIVE Program and Veterans Bridge Home, we see every day that healing and reintegration don’t happen in isolation; they happen in community.
If you’re a Service Member, Veteran, or family member carrying more than you let on, consider this your invitation to come be around people who get it. You don’t have to share anything you’re not ready to share—just show up. We’ll take it from there.
This is a powerful film and guided seminar experience created for Service Members, Veterans, and Families—focused on reintegration, connection, and practical reflection after service.
Extremely thankful to the following individuals from the UNC THRIVE Program and Veterans Bridge Home for their support in making this event possible: Jason Mihalik, Shawn Kane, M.D. FAAFP, FACSM, Samuel Rodriguez, Chad Christensen, Blake Bourne, Paul Berry,

11/29/2025

This Giving Tuesday, we’re asking for your support so we can say “yes” to the next Veteran or First Responder who walks through the doors of the UNC THRIVE Program. To continue to offer no out-of-pocket cost for care!

Every week, we see what focused, team-based care can do: people weighed down by TBI and PTSD finding clearer thinking, better sleep, steadier footing, and a path back to the relationships that matter most.
Your gift directly supports evidence-based evaluation, treatment, and follow-up care so that cost is never the reason someone doesn’t get help.
Click the link below to donate easily and share this message. Together, we can help more Veterans and First Responders not just get by, but truly begin to heal.

thriveprogram.unc.edu - General Fund (104934)

Below in the comments is our QR Code that will take you directly to our UNC THRIVE Program donation page! We are grateful for your support!