UNC THRIVE Program

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).
--------------------------------------
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!
-------------------------------------
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,

12/20/2025

The UNC THRIVE Program is proud to host this event alongside Veterans Bridge Home, led locally by Al Lampkins, with the program presented by the Gary Sinise Foundation and filmmaker Jake Rademacher (Founder/President, Metanoia Films & Perseverance Productions).
--------------------------------------
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: baw.mov/013126 (or scan the QR code on the flyer)
Space is limited - Please share with your networks so we can heal as a community!
-------------------------------------
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,

BROTHERS AFTER WAR is coming to Fayetteville, NC!

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!

11/27/2025

This Thanksgiving, we’re especially grateful for the Veterans, First Responders, and their family members who have trusted the UNC THRIVE Program over the past three and a half years.

Every person who walks through our doors carries a story, a weight, and a hope for something better. It’s an honor to be invited into that space and to walk alongside you as you work through the physical and behavioral health challenges that can follow service to our country.
We’re also deeply thankful for our clinicians, support staff, veteran outreach, and the many partners and organizations who stand with us. None of this work happens alone. Your time, expertise, advocacy, and quiet behind-the-scenes efforts make it possible for veterans and first responders to return to their families and friends a little more healed, a little more steady, and a little more themselves.

As we pause for this holiday, please know this: our commitment does not pause. We remain dedicated to showing up for anyone who needs our services, whether you’ve already been through our program, are thinking about reaching out, or are supporting someone you care about.
Looking ahead to 2026, we’re committed to continuing to serve Veterans, First Responders, and their families with the same purpose, compassion, and resolve. From all of us here at the UNC THRIVE Program, we wish you a safe, peaceful, and meaningful Thanksgiving.

11/24/2025

UNC THRIVE Community Clinic — Open to Everyone
After a concussion, routine tasks may seem more challenging than usual. Persistent symptoms like forgetfulness, brain fog, and concentration issues can last. Our speech-language pathology team assists in regaining focus, enhancing memory, and restoring mental clarity. Call 984-215-5151 to book an appointment.
---------------------
(Please note: This clinic operates independently from the UNC THRIVE Program for Veterans and First Responders; however, the same clinicians provide services for both.)

11/11/2025

Veterans Day is personal here at the UNC THRIVE Program.

Every day at the UNC THRIVE Program, we sit with people who have carried more than most will ever see—who’ve given so much in the service of others and still show up with grit, honesty, and a quiet determination to keep going.

Our work is to make sure they don’t have to carry that weight alone: to help them find the tools to rebuild a steadier foundation of health, purpose, and community for the years ahead. Showing up to heal is another form of inner courage.

To everyone who has worn the uniform: thank you. Your sacrifice, your stories, and your ongoing journey deserve to be supported and respected—on Veterans Day and every day.

VeteransSupport

11/10/2025

This past weekend, we joined Tar Heel fans for UNC Military Appreciation Day as the Heels took on Stanford!

The UNC THRIVE Program was honored to team up with the UNC Matthew Gfeller Center and the Carolina Veterans Alumni Network (CVAN) to host veterans, first responders, and their families at our tailgate and in the stands, celebrating (for our third year) of service, connection, and resilience together.

We were especially grateful to welcome UNC THRIVE Program alumni who have come through our program and returned to campus, continuing to lead, support one another, and show what life beyond the uniform and our programs can look like. Thank you to all who have worn the uniform and those who continue to serve our communities every day.

11/10/2025

Two hundred and fifty years ago, a handful of men gathered at Tun Tavern to form what would become one of the most respected fighting forces in the world—the United States Marine Corps.

At the UNC THRIVE Program, we see the same determination, loyalty, and resilience in the veterans and first responders we serve every day. The Marine Corps birthday is more than a date on the calendar—it’s a reminder of what service, commitment, and brotherhood look like at their best.

We’re proud to celebrate the 250th birthday of the U.S. Marine Corps and to stand beside all who continue to live out those values beyond the uniform.
(U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Christopher Prelle/Released)

10/28/2025

Honored to be part of the Avalon Action Alliance. This week’s convening reminded us why this work matters—listening to real stories, sharing what we’re learning, and aligning so veterans and first responders receive coordinated, evidence-based care. Grateful for every Alliance Partner who shows up with purpose and humility. Together, we’re building support that lasts for those who serve/served on the good days and the hard ones.

The UNC THRIVE Program is proud to stand with the Avalon Action Alliance. Real stories, real collaboration, renewed commitment to those who serve. No one heals alone! Allow us to help you!

When you bring together people who lead with purpose, something powerful happens.

This week, Avalon Action Alliance gathered our Alliance Partners from across the country for our annual convening. Our time was spent learning, reflecting, and reconnecting around our shared mission to help veterans and first responders heal and thrive.

The stories shared were emotional. The conversations were real. And the connections made remind us that none of us can do this work alone.

Grateful for every Alliance Partner who stands beside us in this mission. Together, we are stronger, and the impact we create reaches far beyond the room.