Dear LaGuardia Community,
Last week’s devastating 7.8 magnitude earthquake that struck Turkey and Syria has created a humanitarian crisis in the region; as of this morning, the death toll has reached a staggering 36,000. The initial earthquake and its aftershocks, one of which reportedly measured a 7.5 magnitude, have caused the collapse of residences, businesses and historical sites, from the epicenter to cities 200 miles away. Rescue operations have continued, and millions of people in the area are in need. Here are some organizations working to help provide supplies and aid to those in need: UNICEF, Doctors without Borders, International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent (IFRC), Turkish Philanthropy Funds, Syrian American Medical Society Foundation, Karam Foundation. Find additional organizations on the CUNY Disaster Relief Efforts webpage.
Times of tragedy can affect people in different ways. Help is available for members of the CUNY community seeking mental health support related to these traumatic events. CUNY’s employee assistance program CCA @Your Service has compiled a Support Guide, and additional resources are available on the CCA site (use company code CUNY to log in). Students may receive mental health support and counseling from LaGuardia’s Wellness Center, or by texting “CUNY” to 741741 to access the CUNY Crisis Text Line. All New Yorkers can contact NYC to speak with a mental health counselor by calling 1-888-692-9355, or texting “WELL” to 65173.
Thank you,
Kenneth Adams
President