Standing with the People of Ukraine
February 24, 2022
Dear Penn Medicine Colleagues,
We awoke this morning to the devastating news of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and the almost incomprehensible reality of a major land war in Europe. Already, there are reports of Ukrainian deaths, countless civilians fleeing the conflict, and this will surely escalate. As healthcare providers and scientists – a community devoted to supporting and sustaining healthy communities – we abhor all forms of violence and threats to the culture and lives of any group. The unprovoked and unjustified attack against the people of Ukraine and their independence is the antithesis of the values we hold dear as professionals, as citizens, and as human beings.
Some in our community may have relatives or friends in the areas of conflict. Others, including colleagues with ties to the military and those with Ukrainian heritage, will experience a heightened sense of anxiety in an already difficult time. In addition to those with these direct connections to the invasion, all of us will be affected by these tragic events, which are occurring on top of the past two years of an unrelenting pandemic.
If you are struggling, please know you are not alone. As Penn Medicine colleagues, it is incumbent on all of us to support one another, and our patients, during these disorienting and distressing times. Please take time to check in on one another, and seek help at any time through Penn Cobalt or our Employee Assistance Program.
We stand with the nation and people of Ukraine, and we hope for peace and security across the globe.
Sincerely,
J. Larry Jameson, MD, PhD
Kevin B. Mahoney