Dear NEOMED Community:
During my last campus update I discussed the ongoing humanitarian crisis caused by the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The senseless and barbaric acts of aggression have caused unbearable pain and suffering to millions of people in Ukraine and additional stress and anxiety for the rest of the world who are watching this tragedy unfold. I am sending this message to reemphasize our support for the people who are most impacted by these events. I ask that you keep them in your thoughts and in your prayers. I encourage all of you to be active advocates for social justice using your social networks and through political advocacy.
In Ohio, thousands of miles from Ukraine, you may have the greatest impact by supporting local community members that have friends or family who are directly impacted by the violence in Ukraine. It is important that they know that we care. Just as it is important that they know our University community cares about the safety of those in the middle of crisis. Our compassion is hugely important. So is our advocacy.
As I have done throughout the year, I want to reiterate that the NEOMED community embraces people with diverse religions, ethnicities, cultures, nationalities and races – and our campus has zero tolerance for hate. We urge you to support all members of NEOMED community, particularly those with Ukrainian and Russian ties who are impacted by the conflict.
We want everyone at NEOMED to know that we are here for you and that we have resources to help you. On campus, we have a Department of Public Safety and the NEOMED Police Department (NPD) led by Chief of Police Kali Meonske. In an emergency, you may pick up a blue-light emergency phone or call the University Police at 330.325.5911 or 9-1-1 (dial 9-911 if using a campus phone). Non-emergency questions may be directed to NPD at 330.325.5911 or police@neomed.edu.
Talking to someone during troubling times can also be helpful to many, particularly for those who have feelings of anxiety, sadness or frustration. We urge anyone who feels overwhelmed to reach out for counseling by contacting the following NEOMED service areas:
- Student Wellness and Counseling Services, counseling@neomed.edu | 330.325.6757
- Student Services, studentservices@neomed.edu | 330.325.6735
- Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, aburton@neomed.edu |330.325.6733
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP), www.myimpactsolution.com, Member Login: NEOMED | 800.227.6007
We realize that there are times when members of the NEOMED community may prefer to speak with a therapist who represents specific demographics or cultural perspectives. For that reason, we have partnered with Coleman Professional Services, which will serve as an extension of our student counseling services to ensure that we find the right fit, as determined by NEOMED students. We also want faculty and staff to know that ― through the EAP ― they may request counselors according to their demographic or cultural preferences.
With utmost sincerity, I will say this again: the wellness of each of us has an impact on all of us. You do not have to face concerns alone.
Sincerely,
John T. Langell
President