UNC THRIVE Program

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.
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(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.

10/23/2025

Buddy Check Week!
Let’s look out for each other—one message, one call, one small reminder that we’re stronger together.
• Check in with a buddy today.
• Listen without fixing.
• Share a resource if it helps: thriveprogram.unc.edu

If you need immediate help: Call 988 and press 1 (Veterans) or text 838255.

10/21/2025

The Knott Family UNC THRIVE Program Bridging Ceremony is endowed!

This ceremony honors veterans and first responders as they complete THRIVE’s Program Intensive Outpatient Program, offering graduates the opportunity to share their stories with loved ones. As MSgt (Ret.) Denise V. Singleton, USAF, said: “Because of the quality and magnitude of this program, I am now a strong advocate for veteran empowerment.”

Part of the Matthew Gfeller Center, THRIVE was started with a transformative gift from Avalon Action Alliance and offers care for those dealing with TBI, PTSD, and related issues. The Knott family’s generosity guarantees that these ceremonies—and the resources supporting them—will continue for many years.

Thank you for investing in resilience and community.

https://magazine.college.unc.edu/tar-heel-spotlights/knott-family-foundation-provides-vital-support-to-uncs-thrive-program/

10/06/2025

Congratulations to Dr. Jason Mihalik! The UNC THRIVE Program proudly celebrates our CEO, Dr. Jason Mihalik, on his induction into the National Academy of Kinesiology!
As Director of the Matthew Gfeller Center and CEO of the UNC THRIVE Program, Dr. Mihalik’s visionary leadership continues to advance research and clinical innovation in traumatic brain injury (TBI) care. His commitment to improving the lives of veterans, first responders, and service members living with TBI, post-traumatic stress, and related conditions inspires our entire team. We’re honored to work under his leadership as we continue transforming health and resilience across North Carolina and beyond.

Congrats to exercise and sport scientist Jason Mihalik for being inducted into the National Academy of Kinesiology 🎉

The honor recognizes Mihalik and other fellows for their "significant contributions to the study and application of human movement and physical activity."

Mihalik is the director of the Matthew Gfeller Center and CEO of the center’s UNC THRIVE Program, which treats veterans, first responders and service members experiencing traumatic brain injury, post-traumatic stress or related disorders.

09/29/2025

September is Su***de Prevention Awareness Month — and a powerful reminder that hope is never out of reach.

At the UNC THRIVE Program, we stand shoulder to shoulder with veterans, first responders, and their families in the fight against su***de. Every life saved begins with connection — with someone showing up, listening, and truly hearing you!"

Our mission is rooted in compassion and backed by evidence-based care. Through our participant-centered, interdisciplinary approach, we address the invisible wounds of service — from traumatic brain injury (TBI) to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) — and the struggles that can lead to despair.

We believe in healing before crisis, and in providing tools that restore purpose, dignity, and resilience. If you or someone you know is struggling, you’re not alone — and there is help.
Learn more about the THRIVE Program, break the silence, share the resources, and join us in standing for those who have always stood for us.

Scan the QR Code, call the number below, or check out our website. You don't need a referral.

(984) 215-5151
thriveprogram@unc.edu

***dePrevention

08/29/2025

August 29th commemorates the founding of the Marine Forces Reserve in 1916. We aim to honor Marines past and present who serve our nation and excel in the civilian community. The UNC THRIVE Program is dedicated to supporting their health, resilience, and readiness for future missions.