UNC Health to lead Campus Health operations

As part of Carolina’s regular practice of reviewing campus operations to ensure they remain strong and sustainable for the future, the University and UNC Health are partnering to further strengthen student health care services.

UNC Health will begin to lead and administer Campus Health operations, starting in fall 2026 at the earliest. Chancellor Lee H. Roberts and Dr. Cristy Page, dean of the UNC School of Medicine and CEO of UNC Health, made the announcement in a campus email Tuesday.

Supporting the health and well-being of students is a fundamental priority of the University, and this is an opportunity to strengthen the connection between students and the state’s premier health care system.

With a statewide network of 20 hospitals, more than 900 clinics and the clinical patient care programs of the UNC School of Medicine, UNC Health offers a depth of specialized expertise and resources that could enhance continuity of care for students both on campus and across North Carolina. As an academic health system, UNC Health draws on state-of-the-art research and evidence-based care developed by leading medical school faculty, ensuring students benefit from the latest advances in clinical practice and innovation.

Campus Health has provided high-quality primary care to Tar Heels for more than 100 years, and its dedicated staff have been central to that success. The effort is not about addressing a problem or diminishing that impact, Roberts and Page said, but building on a strong foundation to sustain and enhance student care over the long term through partnership.

Anticipated benefits include:

• Students can expect seamless continuity in health care, including access to specialists and sub-specialists.
• UNC Health clinicians are dedicated to supporting students before, during and after their time at UNC-Chapel Hill, improving continuity of care on campus and beyond.
• This process will allow for common billing and patient care systems, providing ease of access to care for students.

Campus Health will continue to provide its full range of wraparound services on the University campus, including Counseling and Psychological Services, pharmacy services, dental services and other essential supports. These services are staying on campus and remain a critical part of student well-being.

FAQs are available on the Campus Health website.

This work remains in the planning phase, and many details are still under consideration. Roberts and Page wrote that they understand this will raise questions and are committed to sharing updates with the campus community as more information becomes available.