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On behalf of Hendry Ton, M.D., M.S., Associate Vice Chancellor for Health Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
Dear Community,
In the wake of the UC Davis statement of solidarity and support for those affected by the devastating earthquakes in Turkey and Syria, we know the death toll has sadly risen to more than 36,000 people – and it may rise even further. Many families have been displaced from their homes, without adequate shelter and facing freezing temperatures, lack of water, and poor sanitation. As we grapple with the magnitude of the loss and grief, our thoughts are with the people of Turkey and Syria – and those within our UC Davis community who have family members and friends who have been lost or affected by this tragedy.
Messages from across the UC Davis community have also been shared. Click here to see a statement from the Services for International Students and Scholars, on behalf of Global Affairs.
Resources are available
Amidst the calamity, we also witness shining examples of survival, such as resilience, healing and giving. Please know that if you need support, we are here for you. You can connect with the Academic and Staff Assistance Program (ASAP) at 916-734-2727 (in Sacramento) or 530-752-2727 (in Davis). ASAP offers confidential and cost-free counseling services.
If you would like to explore a healing and supportive online community gathering, we encourage you to attend our next virtual Rx Healing Circle on Wednesday, Feb. 22, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The event is sponsored by the UC Davis Health Office for Health Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion. You can register here.
Ways to support
UC Davis is also mobilizing our Global Community Emergency Fund, to provide support to members of the UC Davis community who have urgent and immediate financial needs related to this crisis. If you would like to learn more about efforts taking place, please visit the Give UC Davis - Global Community Emergency Fund website.
There are other ways to support, too. Below are some organizations and networks accepting donations to aid the earthquake survivors:
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Turkish Philanthropy Funds – leading U.S. community foundation for high-impact social investments dedicated to Turkish and Turkish-American communities.
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The Syrian American Medical Society – a global medical relief organization working in the frontlines of crisis relief in Syria and beyond to save lives and alleviate suffering.
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Project Hope – a global health and humanitarian relief organization addressing public health challenges by delivering urgently needed medicines, supplies, and training for health workers.
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UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency – a global organization dedicated to saving lives, protecting rights, and building a better future for refugees, forcibly displaced communities and stateless people.
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House of Turkey – a Southern California nonprofit whose mission is to promote universal awareness of the diversity and richness of Turkish culture, country, traditions, and people.
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Doctors without Borders – delivering emergency medical aid to people in crisis, with humanitarian projects in more than 70 countries.
As the UC Davis statement noted, “We extend our deepest sympathies to those impacted by these events. We are one community here at UC Davis and our hearts go out to all those with families and friends who are experiencing distress around these events.”
Yours in health,
Hendry Ton, M.D., M.S.
Associate Vice Chancellor for Health Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
Office for Health Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (within ODEI)
UC Davis Health
Pronouns: he/him
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