North Carolina’s Psychedelic Medicine and Veterans Mental Health Advocacy Day Marks a Major Step Forward
By Gina Giorgio, Director of Strategy and Development at Students for Sensible Drug Policy (SSDP) and Founder of the North Carolina Psychedelic Policy Coalition (NCPPC)
On June 10th, North Carolina took a meaningful step in the movement toward mental health innovation.
Over 30 advocates, veterans, doctors, clinicians, researchers, and policy leaders gathered at the North Carolina General Assembly for an Advocacy Day focused on psychedelic medicine and veterans’ mental health. The day demonstrated clear and growing bipartisan support for advancing lifesaving treatment solutions—particularly for populations impacted by trauma.
Organized by the North Carolina Psychedelic Policy Coalition (a project of SSDP), the day included 25 legislative meetings, an educational panel, and a press conference featuring leaders in medicine, science, and military service. Together, we highlighted the urgent need for alternative and accessible mental health interventions in our state.
This Advocacy Day also helped build momentum for Senate Bill 568, a bipartisan bill that would create a state task force for psychedelic-assisted therapies in North Carolina. The bill prioritizes support for veterans, first responders, and survivors of domestic violence, and represents one of the first psychedelic task force proposals introduced in the Southeast.
We were honored to be joined by a range of influential voices, including bill sponsors Senator Hanig and Senator Chitlik, Dr. Robert McClure of UNC Chapel Hill Department of Psychiatry, Dr. Raymond Turpin of the Pearl Institute, Dr. David Nichols, medicinal chemist and Adjunct Professor at UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, Lindley Reynolds, LCSW of UNC Chapel Hill Department of Psychiatry, Luke Focer, former Marine and VETS grant recipient, Sally Roberts, army special operations veteran, world bronze medalist in women’s wrestling, and VMHLC representative, and moderator Matt Zemon, author and public speaker.
We are incredibly grateful to our core partners and collaborators who made the day possible, including:
- Veteran Mental Health Leadership Coalition (VMHLC)
- Veterans Exploring Treatment Solutions (VETS)
- Reason for Hope
- The Pearl Institute, Community Alliance for Psychedelics and Spirituality, Triangle Psychedelic Society, Cohoba, Derive Health, Psychedelic Society of Asheville, Appalachian Psychedelic Society, and dozens more.
Community members played a key role in our outreach efforts, with over 100 clinicians and advocates signing our letter of support and action alert, extending our message across the state.
This Advocacy Day builds on the foundation laid during our 2023 lobby efforts and reflects how far we’ve come as a coalition. With momentum growing, we look forward to our continued efforts in organizing, educating, and collaborating to keep psychedelic policy moving forward in North Carolina.
“This moment is urgent for veterans, for families, and for communities across the South who are still waiting for access to effective care,” said Gina Giorgio, who founded the North Carolina Psychedelic Policy Coalition. “What we saw on Advocacy Day was the power of a united, statewide coalition stepping up to lead. In one day, we brought together over 30 advocates, held 25 legislative meetings, and helped move a groundbreaking bill forward. North Carolina is proving that the South can lead on psychedelic policy and we’re just getting started.”
Photo of North Carolina 2025 Lobby Day Team
Who We Are
The North Carolina Psychedelic Policy Coalition (NCPPC), launched in 2022, is a nonpartisan coalition of veterans, clinicians, researchers, and community leaders dedicated to advancing safe, evidence-based access to psychedelic-assisted therapies. As a project of SSDP, our mission is to promote research and education around innovative treatments for mental health conditions, particularly for populations impacted by trauma. The coalition’s founder, Gina Giorgio, granddaughter of a World War II veteran, carries this work forward with a deep commitment to supporting individuals and families impacted by trauma.
