Dean Frazier's Message of Support About the War in the Middle East
Dear Columbia Nursing Community,
I write you today feeling immense sadness and dismay regarding the devastating attacks in Israel and Gaza this weekend. Many in our community have been and will continue to be impacted by the violence and tragic loss of life that have ensued, and I know that some of you in addition fear for the safety of loved ones and friends in the region. I write not only to acknowledge this pain and loss, but also to provide my full support and share word of the resources that are available to you.
Please be aware that the following support is available to you:
School of Nursing Resources:
- Office of Student Affairs – Located on the 1st floor of the Nursing Building, or call 212-305-5756 or email OSSnursing@cumc.columbia.edu
- Rachael Samuel, Assistant Director of Student Support – Located in the Office of Student Affairs, or schedule an appointment at rs4180@cumc.columbia.edu
- Office of Diversity & Cultural Affairs – Schedule a meeting with Dr. Ashley Graham-Perel, Interim Director of Cultural Affairs, at ag4122@cumc.columbia.edu
CUIMC Campus Resources:
- Student Health on Haven – Call 212-305-3400 – cumc.columbia.edu/student-health
University Resources:
- Office of the University Chaplain – ouc.columbia.edu
- Office of Religious Life – religiouslife.columbia.edu
- International Students and Scholars Office – isso.columbia.edu
- University Life – universitylife.columbia.edu
- Columbia Employee Assistance Program – humanresources.columbia.edu/employee-assistance
Sadly, there is every expectation that the conflict in the Middle East will continue to escalate. In times of tragedy, it is important that we come together as a community to support each other, that we honor and respect each other, and that we be as gentle as we can with each other.
As I so often say, nursing is, at its core, about caring. Let us all care for each other, as individuals and as a community, so that we can maintain the resilience to care for our patients.
Dean Frazier
Lorraine Frazier, RN, PhD, FAAN
Dean and Mary O’Neil Mundinger Professor
Senior Vice President, Columbia University Irving Medical Center