COVID-19 & the CU Anschutz Community
March 20, 2020
We write today with our first weekly update on developments and resources related to the campus response to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).
Mental Health & Well-Being
Mental health and well-being are of vital importance, particularly during periods of great disruption, and we are working to bolster support and resources.
The CU Department of Psychiatry has created a COVID-19 Support website to help keep our community healthy and informed. A new podcast series created by the department in partnership with the National Mental Health Innovation Center, “Crazed,” addresses the challenges facing students, first responders and others.
Mental Health & Well-Being
Mental health and well-being are of vital importance, particularly during periods of great disruption, and we are working to bolster support and resources.
The CU Department of Psychiatry has created a COVID-19 Support website to help keep our community healthy and informed. A new podcast series created by the department in partnership with the National Mental Health Innovation Center, “Crazed,” addresses the challenges facing students, first responders and others.
- Students experiencing stress, anxiety and fear are encouraged to call the Campus Health Center at 303-724-4716. There is no charge for service.
- Faculty, staff, PRAs and clinicians can call the Well-Being Support Line at 303-724-2500 from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., seven days a week, for complimentary assistance.
Support & Gratitude
While these uncertain times can lead to stress and anxiety for many of us, they have also demonstrated the tremendous generosity, resilience and selflessness of the CU Anschutz community. There are countless stories of hope and courage to be found. There are also many ways to help.
- Our students have stepped forward - triaging phone calls, assisting clinical providers, and even offering childcare help for those unable to take time away from the frontlines and there are ways to contribute.
- Gifts to the Health Care Worker Emergency Relief Fund support eligible UCHealth employees in financial distress associated with this time of crisis.
- Thousands of unused supplies and personal protective equipment (PPE) have already been donated by our researchers and staff to fill critical clinical gaps. More information will be coming soon about how to continue to donate.
- Our hospital partners are encouraging healthy, eligible individuals to donate blood or platelets. An on-campus blood drive hosted by Vitalant will take place Monday, March 23, 10 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. at a Vitalant bus parked between the Leprino Building and Leprino Garage. More information is available on the Vitalant website, and a map of local blood donation centers is available
- The CU Anschutz Student Food Pantry is a resource for our students year-round, and you can contribute by registering to fill tote bags with requested food items or by making a gift. You can also join the King Soopers Community Rewards Program to easily support our students when you shop. Students who would like personal assistance from Campus Student Services around food insecurity can complete a case form.
- Our campus partners with Aurora Interfaith Community Service, a local food bank seeing growing need. Visit their website for information on monetary and food donations, and drop-off hours.
State-Level Efforts
- Help Colorado Now directs people interested in volunteering into needed roles, and the Colorado COVID Relief Fund helps support citizens impacted by COVID-19.
- Colorado Emergency Child Care Collaborative offers emergency child care for essential workers. Healthcare providers and staff, public safety employees and staff supporting critically at-risk populations are eligible. Visit www.covidchildcarecolorado.com.
COVID-19 Notifications Ended
Since the COVID-19 pandemic is now widespread, CU Anschutz will no longer report on individual cases, and public health officials will no longer contact people who have been exposed to positive
cases. If you believe you may have been in contact with someone who has tested positive, please report to your supervisor or professor, fill out the self-report form, and follow the latest public health guidance
Campus Updates & Reminders
- Travel: All university travel is suspended, and no exceptions will be granted. Personal travel is highly discouraged, particularly for those considered high-risk by the Centers for Disease Control We realize many students, faculty, staff and families may have spring travel plans, but we highly discourage any and all personal travel at this time. The U.S. Department of State issued a Global Level 4 Health Advisory advising against all travel abroad.
- Wayfinding at UCH: Starting next week, the route to enter the Emergency Department at UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital will change due to construction. Visitors and staff will need to follow posted signage to access the entrance.
In addition to these Friday afternoon updates, we will continue to send communications as the rapidly changing situation warrants. Please visit www.cuanschutz.edu/coronavirus for the latest, and check your inbox for weekly updates every Friday.
Most importantly, we’d like to extend our appreciation to you for helping make our community strong. Our deepest gratitude to those of our colleagues who are on the frontlines of care, and those who have come together in so many ways to support these efforts. We simply cannot thank you enough.
Most importantly, we’d like to extend our appreciation to you for helping make our community strong. Our deepest gratitude to those of our colleagues who are on the frontlines of care, and those who have come together in so many ways to support these efforts. We simply cannot thank you enough.