April 14, 2021
To the Health Sciences Community:
I am certain you are wrestling, just as I, with the ongoing litany of unspeakable events borne of race and racism in our nation. I know it diverts your focus and pulls on your spirit while you try to get through each day and move forward in your academic and personal lives. I cannot provide words of hope. To do so would be disingenuous. I can say, however, there are ears willing to listen and allies with whom to plan action and advocacy.
Should you need support:
• Students may reach out to the Counseling Center 24/7
• Staff and faculty may reach out to LifeSolutions, 1-866-647-3432
You may also consider participating in the campus 2021 Diversity Forum, “Dismantling Oppressive Systems: Building Just Communities” to be held on a virtual platform July 26-29, 2021. This year’s forum will focus on outlining the key concepts underpinning social justice, illuminating examples of systemic injustice, and examining means and methods of infusing equitable and just policies and practices across multiple sectors in our communities. The call for abstracts will be issued in a day or so, but if you have ideas for workshops now, feel free to access the abstract submission portal at https://bit.ly/3geBQk6. Please consider sharing your thoughts and plans of action. In the meantime, the Office of Health Sciences Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is here to listen and help you access resources. Office hours are available every weekday at 5 pm. Register once and attend any session. If you would like an individual appointment, contact Mary Ann Merranko at mam524@pitt.edu or 412-648-2066.
With you,
Paula K. Davis, MA, CDE
Associate Vice Chancellor for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Health Sciences
4/17/2021