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Hinson wins UNC’s Bryan Public Service Award for refugee wellness initiative

Clinical Assistant Professor Quentin Joshua (Josh) Hinson, MSW ’04, is the winner of UNC’s 2016 Robert E. Bryan Public Service Award for his work on the UNC Global Transmigration – Refugee Mental Health and Wellness Initiative.

This project trains graduate students to use an evidence-based refugee mental health screening instrument and collects data on the extent of refugees’ mental health needs and the effectiveness of mental health treatment. In 2015, Refugee Wellness began contracting with the North Carolina Division of Health and Human Services’ Refugee Office to provide mental health services to refugees throughout Wake, Durham and Orange counties.

“The University’s three-part mission to research, educate and serve our local communities, state, nation and world is truly enhanced by our unwavering commitment to public service,” said Chancellor Carol Folt. “The recipients of this year’s Public Service Awards prove that public service and engaged scholarship enhance the research conducted, lessons taught and knowledge used to serve the public good at this university. I am incredibly proud to recognize the innovation, scholarship and dedication that each of today’s award recipients have displayed.”

“This is a terrific honor, and I share it with the many amazing students who have worked on the project, as well as the UNC School of Social Work and the refugee resettlement community for their support,” said Hinson. “Most importantly, the honor belongs to the hundreds of refugee families who have opened their homes and their lives to us. Their trust and their goodwill have allowed us to take steps together towards fostering communities where our newest North Carolinians can heal, grow and lead lives of dignity.”

Josh received his award at a celebration hosted by the Carolina Center for Public Service on March 31.