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ANEW: Advanced Nursing Education Workforce

Preparing Nurse Practitioners to Lead Whole-Person Care in North Carolina

The Behavioral Health Integration (BHI) Scholars Traineeship is part of a long-standing initiative to equip nurse practitioner students at UNC-Chapel Hill with the training, mentorship, and experience needed to address urgent behavioral health needs across North Carolina.

This work builds on the success of the 2017–2019 PEER NC project and continues through a HRSA-funded grant:

Partners in Practice, Engagement, & Education in Rural NC: Preparing Nurse Practitioners for Behavioral Health Integration in Primary Care: Vulnerable Populations
(HRSA #T94HP30882 | 2017-2027 | PI: Dr. Victoria Soltis-Jarrett, PhD, PMHNP-BC, FAANP, FAAN)

This continuation grant aims to educate, train, and provide financial support (traineeships) for new primary care nurse practitioners to deliver integrated (mind/body), clinically competent, and culturally sensitive whole healthcare to some of the most vulnerable individuals and families in rural and medically underserved areas throughout North Carolina.

About the Traineeship

The BHI Scholars Traineeship is open to FNP, AGNP, PNP, and PMHNP students interested in expanding their knowledge of integrated behavioral healthcare and improving access in rural and medically underserved communities.

Selected scholars:

  • Engage in weekly, interdisciplinary seminars focused on behavioral health and substance use

  • Learn from UNC faculty and guest speakers across primary care and behavioral health disciplines

  • Receive mentorship and peer support

  • Participate in clinical experiences aligned with rural and underserved community needs

  • Build skills to deliver coordinated, whole-person care

For PMHNPs, the experience includes exploring how to collaborate and consult with primary care teams through an integrated lens.

Addressing Rural Mental Health Needs in North Carolina

Millions of North Carolinians face barriers to behavioral health services, especially in rural areas where specialty providers are scarce. Nurse practitioners are uniquely positioned to recognize behavioral health concerns, initiate treatment, and lead team-based care, yet often lack the support or training to do so effectively.

This traineeship provides the tools to change that.

Learn More & Stay Connected

General questions: Elizabeth Pointer epointer@email.unc.edu

PI/PD questions: Victoria Soltis-Jarrett vsoltis@email.unc.edu

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Nursing
Carrington Hall
120 North Medical Drive
Chapel Hill, NC 27599
(919)-966-9787