University of North Carolina Ashville Athletics
Dr. Laura Jones Receives Student-Athlete Mental Health Grant from the UNC System
08.07.2023 | General, Athletics News
RALEIGH, N.C. - Dr. Laura Jones, Coordinator of Mental Health Services for UNC Asheville Athletics, recently received a grant from the University of North Carolina System aimed at improving mental health services for UNC Asheville student-athletes.
The UNC System was able to support nine of the 35 total projects submitted from schools throughout the system, including Jones and UNC Asheville's request, totaling $1.7M in grant funding.Â
"Through funding from the North Carolina Governor's Office, the UNC System is continuing to invest in behavioral health programming that promotes resiliency and drives student success," said Dr. Bethan Meighen, Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs at the University of North Carolina. "UNC Asheville's emphasis on supporting the behavioral health needs of student-athletes by creating a holistic approach to promoting and developing resiliency is to be applauded."
Jones's submission covers several areas of student-athlete mental health, including stipends for Student Mental Health Ambassadors, all-athlete events and workshops, and programming for underserved athletes tailored towards resiliency and mental health and will receive $109,200 in funding.
"Thank you to Dr. Meighen and the UNC System for valuing mental health, not only through this very generous grant but through all of their efforts to support student-athlete mental health and resilience at UNC Asheville and across UNC System schools," said Jones. "This funding will make a significant difference in the lives of all of our student-athletes, and we cannot thank them enough."
"Dr. Jones's commitment to the well-being of our student-athletes is beyond commendable," said Director of Athletics Janet R. Cone. "We want to thank not only Dr. Jones for her dedication to bettering the holistic experience for our Bulldogs but also the UNC System for this very generous grant."
