Dear SPH Staff:
I hope this message finds you and your family well. The COVID-19 global pandemic continues to pose a serious threat to population health, and it has compelled unprecedented action by leaders at all levels to minimize its health impact and to protect the public’s health. Through the turmoil, I am sincerely grateful for each of you. Thank you for all that you are doing to uphold our educational and research mission and to maintain our school’s operations.
This is a difficult time. We are all struggling to adjust to a startling and overwhelming new reality. This pandemic has brought worry and uncertainty for all, and for far too many, painful loss. The challenges will continue, but we will get through this together. Right now, it is imperative that we each do our part by practicing social distancing and taking care of each other and ourselves. As you take care of yourself and your family, please remember there are several
Georgia State resources
and
USG resources
available to support you.
Kindness promotes resilience. The last few weeks, I have been reflecting on the many acts of kindness happening everyday. Thoughtful citizens are helping their elderly neighbors buy groceries and delivering meals to the vulnerable and isolated, numerous hotels are offering free rooms so that health care workers can protect their families, sewing circles organized on social media are making masks for health care workers, animal shelters are reporting increases in foster applications, and teachers, parents, and artists are developing creative ways online to educate, entertain, and share time together, while physically distant. These acts of kindness are uplifting. They remind us that despite our many differences – racial/ethnic, political, religious, etc. – we come together to help one another when it matters most. As a school community, let’s embody kindness together. Reach out, check in, and support each other, we are all in this together.
Wishing you all safety, sending encouragement your way, and hoping you find fulfillment and happiness in this new reality. Stay well.
Warmly,
Rodney
