March 2009
Vol 2, Issue 3



NC-HCAPnews
a monthly update from the
NC Health Careers Access Program
at Chapel Hill

The Director's Corner
We have all seen the news and know that the current economic landscape across our state and nation looks bleak. The media seems to highlight job fairs and the record turn out at these events daily - not surprising since unemployment rates continue to rise. Even with these job fairs, many of our citizens will be unable to secure immediate employment and have to explore other possibilities.
           
Now is a great time for people to consider retooling in order to find other career opportunities. And, as they do, inevitably many of them will explore health careers. And why would they not? There are a plethora of health career offerings - and there is sure to be one that will compliment almost any interest. Job security is typically high in these careers, and many areas within the health professions need to increase and diversify its work force.

So, as we go about our work making a difference in the lives of aspiring health professionals, let's not forget the ones who may be seeking a career change, especially those doing so out of necessity. Like the students we typically work with, they need our assistance, support, and encouragement as well.

Patrena N. Benton, Ph.D.
Director



In This Issue
Director's Corner
NC-HCAP News
College Initiatives
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INFORMATION NEEDED!
We are updating our contact database and need additional information from you. Please follow the Update Profile/Email Address link found at the bottom of this e-mail to submit your current contact information, so that we may continue to provide you with the latest information about our activities and services.

NC-HCAP alumni profiles featured in HPNEC national Profiles of Success
The Health Professions and Nursing Education Coalition (HPNEC) has created profiles of success for Title VII and VIII health professions programs across the nation. These profiles provide information about grantees from all Title VII and VIII clusters.  The profiles are meant to be used as an advocacy tool, to help put real faces to these programs, and to help highlight the need for increased funding for Titles VII and VIII.

We are thrilled that three of our former SEP scholars have been profiled, and we will be working with HPNEC to profile additional alumni as well. To view the profiles of UNC pharmacy student Dorian Brown, Dr. Robert Selden, and Dr. Antonio Braithwaite, visit the HPNEC Profiles of Success Web site. 
 
About Health Professions and Nursing Education Coalition: HPNEC is an alliance of more than 60 national organizations representing schools, programs, health professionals, and students dedicated to ensuring the health work force is educated and trained to meet the needs of our diverse population. For more information, visit the HPNEC Web site.


NC-HCAP rolls out new college newsletter
We are pleased to announce the debut of Gateway, an e-newsletter for college students. Each issue will be jam-packed with career and college planning tips, advice and resources to help students navigate the pathway through undergraduate and health professions school.

Congratulations to Franklin Diaz, a junior at UNC and member of NC-HCAP's Health Careers Club, for submitting the winning name for this publication. He was one of many club members who submitted entries in a 'name the newsletter' contest. He won a gift card to the Franklin Street eatery of his choice. Many thanks to all who entered.

If you are interested in forwarding Gateway to students, please contact us at nchcap@email.unc.edu and we will add you to our mailing list.


NC-HCAP 2.0
NC-HCAP now has a home on Facebook. Be sure to check us out and become a fan!
College Initiatives
Health Careers Club to hold Health on the Block on April 4
The NC-HCAP Health Careers Club (HCC) will once again host their annual Health on the Block community health fair. This year's event will be held on Saturday, April 4, 2009 at the Hargraves Community Center in Carrboro from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

With the continued support of campus and local organizations and businesses, Health on the Block will provide Carrboro and Chapel Hill residents with secure on-site access to volunteer medical personnel offering complimentary health screenings and important health-related information during the event.

To download the flyer, visit the HOTB Web site.

Organizations offering screenings include:
S.H.A.C. (Student Health Action  Coalition) - glucose screening
Association of Nursing Students - body mass index and blood pressure checks
Unite for Sight - eye examinations
UNC Kidney Center - kidney screenings and analysis
Student National Dental Association - dental examinations
Carolina Association of Pharmacy Students - nicotine dependency screenings for smokers

Other organizations participating include:
Orange County Rape Crisis Center - family violence and sexual assualt prevention information
UNC Counseling and Wellness Center - stress management and substance abuse prevention information
S.P.R.O.U.T. Tax Cessation Program - free tax preparation
Orange County Health Department Clinical Nurses - HIV/STD awareness information

Food will be sponsored by:
Costco, Harris Teeter, Banditos, Carolina Cafe, and Mama Dips

The HCC members have been working hard since the fall semester to plan this event. Won't you support their efforts and come out to the fair on April 4?

* Co-sponsors: The Town of Chapel Hill Parks and Recreation Department and Empowerment, Inc.
Give to NC-HCAP
Pave the way for a future health professional by giving to NC-HCAP.

You may make a gift online or contact Dr. Patrena Benton, director, at pbenton@unc.edu or (919) 966-2264.

When using Online Giving, please be sure to choose "NC Health Careers Access Program" under the University Designation List, then select "NC Health Careers Access Program (3894) " from the Select a University Fund menu.

Or, mail Check or Money Order Payable to "UNC-CH"to:
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Office of University Development
PO Box 309
Chapel Hill, NC 27514-9931

PLEASE Write In "Designation #3894 - NC Health Careers Access Program" on the "FOR" line of your check.
North Carolina Health Careers Access Program
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Student & Academic Services Building South, Suite 3307
CB #8010
Chapel Hill, NC 27599-8010
T: 919-966-2264
F: 919-966-6109
nchcap@email.unc.edu
http://nc-hcap.unc.edu

For editorial comments or questions, contact Renee Harris at rharris@unc.edu.