Dear Colleagues,
Yesterday, one of our University faculty colleagues was killed while doing the work they loved. We join the entire Carolina community in profound sadness and mourning. It is hard to imagine the devastation for our colleague’s family and friends. The sense of collaboration and tight bonds that exist across our campus are one of the things that make it so special. Today, unfortunately, we are bound by a great sense of loss.
As yesterday’s terrifying events unfolded on campus, countless people acted quickly to protect our patients and those we work with and teach. We are grateful to our University and Hospital Police Departments for their work to ensure the safety of our campus. But we also acknowledge that in the wake of such a horrific event, the campus we all love so deeply may not feel completely safe for a while. As Chancellor Guskiewicz said yesterday evening, we will work to rebuild your sense of safety and trust in the weeks ahead.
Yesterday, we spent hours huddled together, anxious and uncertain about what was going on just outside our windows. While the acute panic of yesterday has subsided, we know that the effects will stay with us.
It’s in our nature to care for and protect others, but as you check in on your friends and teammates, please take time for yourself to process what you’ve experienced. If you need support, please utilize the many resources that are available and understand that there is no “right” way to respond to a situation like what we all experienced. Extend grace to yourself and those around you over the next few days and weeks.
More information will be shared by the University in the coming days and weeks as our University continues to grieve and process. For now, please take care of yourselves.
Sincerely,
Wesley and Cristy
Wesley Burks, MDDean, UNC School of MedicineCEO, UNC HealthCristy Page, MD, MPHExecutive Dean, UNC School of MedicineChief Academic Officer, UNC Health
Please know that support is available to you should you need it in the days ahead:
- UNC Health Well-Being Program
- UNC-Chapel Hill Employee Assistance Program
- UNC Counseling and Psychological Services
- For urgent concerns, please call 919-966-3658, the emergency protocol line.