Downstate President on hurricane: well wishes, hotlines and help

From Wayne J. Riley, M.D. MPH. MBA, MACP

Hurricane Harvey, which began on Friday and continues to drop torrential rain over Texas and nearby states, is, putting it mildly, a devastating storm. As a community, we send our thoughts and prayers for the safety and recovery of all those in its path. 
 
This storm hits particularly close to me, as I have deep ties to Houston where I completed residency training in the Texas Medical Center and spent 10 years on the faculty and staff at the Baylor College of Medicine. The now evacuated Ben Taub General Hospital is where I served as Assistant Chief of Medicine. Additionally, three of my siblings and my mother reside in the Houston metropolitan area who are all–thankfully–safe and dry at this hour. 
 
Our world is small, especially when hit with natural disasters such as this powerful storm. Members of our Downstate community: faculty, staff, students, and patients, come from all over our country and indeed all over the world. If you or your family are affected by this storm, we are committed to supporting and helping you in any way we can. Reach out to any one of the offices listed at the end of this message and let us know. 
 
Do not suffer in silence. We care and are here to listen and help.
 
I am proud that the Downstate spirit is to stand ready to assist those in need, whether that need is local, regional, national, or global. Although the situation on the ground is still very fluid, the need to assist the region will be extraordinary and long-lasting. As we learn more about where and what specific help is needed, we will reach out.
 
In the meantime, the best way to help the region is to provide needed funding for rescue and relief efforts and help to those displaced from their homes. The following web sites have some initial information about how you can help:
 
            http://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2017/08/28/546745827/looking-to-help-those-affected-by-harvey-here-s-a-list  
            https://weather.com/storms/hurricane/news/how-you-can-help-hurricane-harvey-victims

Again, please know that our Downstate services will assist anyone who reaches out including Chaplaincy, Student Counseling, the Employee Assistance Program, the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, and the Office of Student Affairs. 
 
And remember, if you are ever concerned about a fellow student, faculty member, or employee, do not hesitate to reach out as well.

Pastoral Care – (718) 270-2594
Student Counseling – (718) 270-1408 –counseling@downstate.edu
Employee Assistance Program – (718) 270-1489
Diversity & Inclusion (718) 270-1735
Office of Student Affairs – (718) 270-2187 –studentaffairs@downstate.edu

Categorised in: News

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