State and Federal Health Leaders Hold Collegiate Recovery Program Listening Session; Media Availability to Follow

MEDIA ADVISORY — North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Kody H. Kinsley and Dr. Miriam Delphin-Rittmon, Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and Administrator of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), will be celebrating North Carolina’s first Collegiate Recovery Program and its successes during a visit to UNC Charlotte. The Charlotte program began 11 years ago and is one of 18 Collegiate Recovery Programs supported by NCDHHS. There are approximately 30 total collegiate recovery programs across the state.

Collegiate Recovery Programs increase access to recovery services and support on campuses for students with substance use disorders and those wishing to pursue a substance-free lifestyle. They are one measure in addressing the growing need for behavioral health care among young adults. Collegiate Recovery Programs have been in existence for more than 40 years and provide services and educational opportunities in a supportive environment as well as promote personal accountability while attending a public or private college, university or community college.

Through outreach efforts, UNC Charlotte’s program has reached more than 900 students over the past 14 months. The program has a 100% current graduation rate for participants.

Secretary Kinsley and Dr. Delphin-Rittmon will hold a with leadership, students and alum who have experience in the collegiate recovery program. The session is closed to media, but a photo/video opportunity and media availability will follow. 

What: State and Federal Leaders Discuss Success of Collegiate Recovery Programs

Who: Kody H. Kinsley, Secretary, NCDHHS
            Dr. Miriam Delphin-Rittmon, Assistant Secretary, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) 
            Chelsea Schmidt, UNC Charlotte alumna and former Collegiate Recovery Program participant

When: Monday, Nov. 13, 2023
               4:30-5 p.m.

Where: University of North Carolina at Charlotte 
                 Popp Martin Student Union, Room 200
                8845 Craver Road
                Charlotte, NC 28262

Media: Credentialed media are invited to participate in an in-person only media availability and video opportunity following a listening session that is closed to press. Secretary Kinsley, Dr. Delphin-Rittmon and Chelsea Schmidt will take questions and speak about the importance of collegiate recovery programs. Please RSVP to news@dhhs.nc.gov.