Dear UCSF Community,

The recent and ongoing natural disasters in the southeastern United States, the Caribbean, and Mexico have caused great loss of life and sorrow. In the last two days, Hurricane Maria has brought an onslaught of destruction to the Caribbean island of Dominica and the U.S. commonwealth of Puerto Rico. In addition, Mexico experienced a major 7.1 magnitude earthquake yesterday that collapsed many buildings including hundreds of schools. This was the second significant quake in Mexico within a two-week time span, and UC President Janet Napolitano has expressed her support and solidarity.

Without time to recover from the initial hits, the citizens of these diverse areas are confronted with an emotional, physical, and economic toll of epic proportion. Our hearts and thoughts are with them.

The UCSF Global Disaster Assistance Committee (GDAC) is closely monitoring these situations and stands ready in the event that assistance is requested. At this time, UCSF has not received a request to provide relief assistance. Please visit the GDAC web page for updates about how you can help.

For those of us with family and friends in the affected locations, it is extremely difficult to be far away. Please know that UCSF has professional counseling services available through the Faculty and Staff Assistance Program and Student...