QUICK READ:
- UW Medicine offers support to the LGBTQIA+ community following the horrific shooting in Colorado Springs.
- We will hold affinity group meetings for staff, faculty, trainees and students on Wednesday, Nov. 23.
- Mass violence is a public health crisis in the United States that must be addressed.
This weekend, we heard the terrible news of the shooting at Club Q in Colorado Springs with the tragic deaths of five people, according to latest reports, and many more who are injured. While we can only begin to imagine the pain and grief of the families and friends of the victims, we know that this attack feels very personal to the LGBTQIA+ community across our country. This holds particular significance as it was only hours before the club’s planned celebration of Transgender Day of Remembrance.
At UW Medicine, we are working to create a place of safety and inclusion for all people with leadership from the Office of Healthcare Equity. Our hospitals are recognized as Healthcare Equity Leaders by the Human Rights Campaign for providing equitable access and respectful care for LGBTQIA+ patients and their families.To provide support to our staff, faculty, trainees and students during this difficult time, we will be coming together as a community for affinity group conversations on Wednesday, Nov. 23.
Affinity Groups: We will have separate breakout rooms for members and allies of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Date: Nov 23, 2022
Time: 11 a.m. to noon
Please register in advance: https://washington.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJ0od-qtqj0iGNaw73laXhkz5uS6EM8BoRs0
The shooting at Club Q follows the recent and disturbing murders of students across the country, from Idaho to Virginia, as well as here in Seattle at Ingraham High School. These horrific shootings leave all of us feeling vulnerable and concerned about our country and our families. To access our employee resources for counseling and well-being, please see UW School of Medicine Office of Faculty Affairs and UW CareLink.
As a nation, we face a public health crisis from the pervasive violence in our society. Despite too many setbacks, we can and must continue our work to prevent such violence by addressing its causes and promoting solutions through our research, teaching and community outreach.
We thank you for providing support to every member of our community.
Sincerely,
Timothy H. Dellit, MD
Interim CEO, UW Medicine
Interim Executive Vice President for Medical Affairs and
Interim Dean of the School of Medicine,
University of Washington
Cynthia Dold
Interim President, UW Medicine Hospitals & Clinics
Interim Vice President for Medical Affairs,
University of Washington
Bessie A. Young, MD
Vice Dean for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, School of Medicine
Professor of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine
University of Washington
