As the sun rose this morning, we looked ahead to a new day. We have spent the better part of a week preparing for the worst, so that our people would be safe and our mission would persevere through Hurricane Laura. Many of us awoke today feeling fortunate: a quick initial scan suggests most of us have been spared the worst of what was possible. For many, there’s been minor damage to homes and minimal harm to UTMB facilities.

However, many of our colleagues working in our regional clinics and CMC units--and their neighbors in the communities of East Texas and western Louisiana—spent a sleepless and harrowing night, and are seeing damage and weeks of work and recovery ahead.

This isn’t the first storm to hit our region hard. It’s heartbreaking. But as a native East Texan, I know people in those communities will tackle this latest challenge with grit and resolve. And in true UTMB fashion, we will be here to support them at every step. It’s what “working together” means at its core.

While the storm has now come ashore and is moving rapidly to the north and east, our work of damage assessment continues. We will soon be reporting on conditions and providing updates on resumption of services and other important timelines in our recovery. We very likely will be helping hospitals in the hardest hit areas take care of the sick and injured. It will be an honor to serve them on our campuses.

In the meantime, please continue to exercise caution for yourself and your families. This is not the time to be traveling about in affected areas, before UTMB, CMC and your local authorities have advised it’s safe. If you evacuated from your home, take extra care as you return.

Throughout this most unusual year—when we’ve faced a pandemic and now a major hurricane together—I have thought about the type of people we employ. About our educators, caregivers, researchers and the people who support them, and the incredible work you all have done this year. You routinely put aside your own needs and concerns in the service of others. Hurricane Laura highlighted this commitment yet again. And, because of this enduring commitment, we have once again shown that the University of Texas stops for no storm.

Thank you and be safe as we restore operations.

With deep gratitude,

Ben G. Raimer, MD, MA, FAAP

President ad interim