Like many of you, I can barely find the words to express my sorrow at the horrific events which have unfolded in our country over the past two weeks. So many of us were still reeling from the hate-fueled massacre of innocent people in a Buffalo supermarket when the news hit that the most vulnerable members of our society – blameless children – had been targeted in Uvalde, Texas. What are we to do when faced with senseless tragedies of this scale week upon week?
Of course, we all stand in solidarity with the African American community targeted in Buffalo and with the parents, families, and teachers of Uvalde. We share their sorrow and offer our unwavering support in their darkest hour. Here within the Emory community, I join President Fenves in extending that solidarity and support to any member of our team who has experienced grief, fear, or suffering of any kind as a result of these reprehensible acts of violence.
I know all too well that one needn’t be a member of the Buffalo or Uvalde communities to be deeply affected by these acts of violence. They touch all of us in our own ways. That’s why I want to remind you that your Emory community is here for you if you are having trouble coping with these events. I urge you to reach out to Emory’s Faculty/Staff Assistance Program (www.fsap.emory.edu), which provides individual appointments by phone or by Zoom if you or a loved one need help processing your emotions during this heartbreaking time.
And as always, I ask you to continue to care for yourselves and each other as I care for each of you.
Jonathan S. Lewin, MD, FACR
Executive Vice President for Health Affairs, Emory University
Executive Director, Woodruff Health Sciences Center
CEO and Chairman of the Board, Emory Healthcare
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