Dear Members of the UCSF community,
The wildfires that are ravaging the counties of Northern California have brought devastation to thousands. Our thoughts go out to all those affected, including the approximately 450 UCSF employees and 1,200 alumni who live in the region, as well as the many family and friends who live there.
UCSF is actively involved in responding to this evolving situation. While two of our clinics were forced to close due to the fires, UCSF continues to staff the NICU at Santa Rosa Memorial, with one of our physicians serving as the Attending physician today. So far, we have received four adult transfer patients and one pediatric transfer patient from the area. Approximately 20 patients affected by smoke inhalation have been treated at UCSF.
For staff directly affected by the wildfires, our Human Resources team has prepared guidelines and resources, including information about our program that allows staff to request donations of accrued vacation, emergency loan programs through our credit unions, short- term and long-term housing rentals, and other resources. Faculty members who have been impacted should consult their department chairs.
I am not surprised that many of you have asked about ways to help; this concern for others—and outreach on their behalf—is consistent with our community’s values. HR’s guidelines include information for faculty and staff who want to donate accrued vacation to staff directly affected by the fires. Please also check the Global Disaster Assistance Committee...
Dear Members of the UCSF Community,
We are stunned and saddened by the loss of life and injuries sustained last night at the hand of a gunman in Las Vegas – now the deadliest mass shooting in modern U.S. history. Our thoughts are with the victims and their families as well as with the people of Las Vegas.
We applaud the efforts of all first responders, including the local police, FBI, and others and the teams of trauma specialists and health professionals who quickly acted in response to the mass casualties. Hundreds of wounded are receiving treatment and care at local hospitals, and UCSF Medical Center is inquiring as to the need for blood donations or other types of assistance.
Unfortunately, incidents like these happen all too frequently in our nation. America’s epidemic of gun violence is a public health crisis that is unrivaled in the rest of the developed world.
At UCSF, we prepare for crisis situations. If an imminent threat to life and safety, such as an active shooter incident occurred at or near UCSF, the UCSF Police Department would activate the WarnMe system to alert members of our community on their individual office and cell phone numbers. If you have not already registered with the WarnMe system, I encourage you to take a few minutes to do so.
I remind you that professional counseling and confidential services are available to members of our UCSF community who may feel distressed: