Message from the chancellor: Hurricane Helene response efforts

Dear Carolina Community,

Many parts of our state are experiencing unprecedented flooding and devastation caused by Hurricane Helene. Our area was largely spared the full effects of the storm, and our campus remains in full operation. However, many communities across the southeast region of the country and the western part of North Carolina have been left without means of communication, power and open roads.

As always, Carolina is ready to provide support and relief as communities deal with the aftermath in the coming days and months.

As part of a coordinated effort of the UNC System, we are sending requested teams of professionals to assist our affected sister institutions to help with a variety of needs.

We know many of our students, staff, faculty and their families and loved ones are directly affected. We hope you will reach out and let us know how we can help. Students may contact the Dean of Students at (919) 966-4042, as well as Counseling and Psychological Services, part of Campus Health Services, at (919) 966-3658. Students can also submit a Care Referral Form for assistance.  Faculty or staff may call the Employee Assistance Program at (877) 314-5841, 24 hours a day.

While many of us want to do something immediately, it is essential that our efforts be responsive to the specific needs of those individuals and communities affected and not further burden them with well-intentioned responses that necessitate energy on their part to accommodate (such as clothing and supplies that must be stored, or volunteers who need housing).

We are hearing from people across campus wanting to know how they can help, and we want to communicate and organize efforts to support those most affected.

To facilitate communication about efforts and resources, I have asked the Carolina Center for Public Service (CCPS) to help coordinate campus efforts. The best source of updated information is posted on a dedicated website for relief efforts. CCPS will continue to collect and share information on that site, and you can send information by emailing ccps@unc.edu.

In the coming days, CCPS will host a meeting for campus organizations and units to discuss developing an effective and coordinated response. The Gillings School of Global Public Health is uniquely qualified and ready to help lead our efforts, and other schools, units and organizations have important expertise and strong partnerships that will be integral to our campus response.

Serving others is part of who we are, and there will be many ways you can contribute to the effort. We will come together with those affected to support them in getting through the immediate and long-term impacts of this natural disaster. We will also keep you informed of how you can help, so please continue to check this website.

Our thoughts and support are with those suffering from this terrible event.

Sincerely,
Lee H. Roberts
Chancellor