A message from Dean Douglas Elmendorf
Dear Members of the Harvard Kennedy School Community,
Like many of you, I am shocked and terribly saddened by the devastating earthquake in Turkey and Syria. Every time I check the news, the toll of those who have died has grown, and the stories of loss and suffering have become even more distressing. My heart goes out to everyone in Turkey and Syria who has been affected—and to our students, faculty, staff, and fellows who are from those countries or who have loved ones in the area.
For those who want to help people in Turkey and Syria, some suggestions of organizations you can support can be found at https://time.com/6253346/turkey-earthquake-syria-how-to-help/. I also want to commend those members of our community who are already stepping up to support people in that area during this time of crisis.
Please be kind to your friends and colleagues who may be struggling to deal with this news. And remember that we have many sources of care for community members who need it—now and at any time. Students seeking support can contact the University’s Counseling and Mental Health Services’ Cares Line at 617-495-2042 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week); staff and faculty seeking support can contact the University’s Employee Assistance Program at 877-327-4278 (also 24 hours a day, 7 days a week); and the Harvard Chaplains are available to everyone.
Sincerely,
Doug