Message of Support

Dear CUIMC community,

The mission of our medical center, and the calling of our students, faculty, and staff, is to protect and improve health and to reduce pain and suffering through science, education, and care. As such, the past year has profoundly affected our community in many ways, personally and professionally.

Yesterday, Interim President Armstrong encouraged us to rely on our collective purpose, our empathy, and our shared mission and values as we navigate this time together. We join in her call to show each other support and respect, and to provide the space that people in our community will need for mourning, events, and remembrances.

We have learned so much about how members of our community have been impacted over the past year from the insights, experiences, and concerns that you have shared with us. We deeply appreciate your vulnerability, and we hope that you will continue to reach out.

Leadership across CUIMC and CU are working together to support our community during this difficult and uncertain period. Services for well-being, coping, and mental health are available: For students, Student Health on Haven is accessible in-person and by telehealth; for faculty and staff, resources are available here and with CopeColumbia. University Life also provides well-being resources and tips.

Our community’s bonds have been tested over the past year. Yet our shared commitment to our mission, our resilience, and our respect for different views have sustained and guided us. Amid difficult times, we are proud of the understanding and kindness our community has shown each other. To echo Interim President Armstrong, we are confident that we can make this journey together and become a stronger community as a result.

Sincerely,

Lorraine Frazier, PhD, RN
Dean, School of Nursing

Linda P. Fried, MD, MPH
Dean, Mailman School of Public Health

Roseanna Graham, DDS, PhD
Interim Dean, College of Dental Medicine

James McKiernan, MD
Interim Dean, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons
CEO, ColumbiaDoctors