For several weeks, we have all been focused on planning, preparing and responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. During this time of unprecedented uncertainty and stress, it is essential that we take good care of ourselves and our families so that we can continue to support our patients and each other.

To that end, UTMB has established an Employee Wellness Task Force, under the guidance of Human Resources and the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences. This group will be providing resources, updates and general information to all of us in the coming weeks to help us stay emotionally healthy during this crisis. 

If you need emotional support or counseling, these resources are immediately available to you, and I urge you to use them:

• The University of Texas Employee Assistance Program
  24/7 crisis counseling hotline: (844) 872-5986; open to employees and their families.
  See the UTEAP Overview Document for more information.
• UTMB Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Employee Clinic
  Call (409) 772-0770 to schedule an appointment; available to employees and their families.
• UTMB Student Health
  24/7 crisis hotline: (409) 747-HELP (4357); available to all UTMB students.
• Texas Health and Human Services Commission Hotline
  Statewide COVID-19 Mental Health Support Line: (833) 986-1919; available to all Texas residents.

Beginning next week, the Employee Wellness Task Force will feature wellness information in the COVID-19 Daily Update global email and in Weekly Relay Notes.

I know it can be hard for people who are committed to helping others to seek help for themselves, but it is imperative that each of us recognizes when the load has become too much to bear alone. If you need help, please use one of the resources above, or confide in a colleague or supervisor. We will make sure you get the emotional counseling and support you need. Thank you and stay well.

Ben G. Raimer, MD, MA, FAAP
President ad interim