Dear Members of the UMBC Community,
Our hearts are heavy as we see the impact of the devastating chemical explosion in Beirut on August 4 that killed more than 200 people, injured thousands, and left as many as 300,000 homeless. Our thoughts are with the victims, their families, first responders, and the Lebanese community around the world, including here at UMBC.
We are aware that this catastrophe comes at a time when many people in our communities and around the world are already suffering because of the global coronavirus pandemic and other crises, including a gas explosion in a Baltimore residential neighborhood today. This context makes the tragedy in Beirut even more challenging to process, and the journey to recovery even more fraught. However, seeking to support those who are suffering, as we are able, can generate a powerful, positive response that brings care and kindness to those most in need.
If you would like to provide material support, the Lebanese Red Cross and the United Nations’ World Food Programme are among the many groups contributing to disaster response and recovery in Lebanon.
Tragedies impact community members in different ways, and we want to be certain that students, faculty, and staff who may need support as a result of this incident have information about resources available to them. Faculty and staff can request counseling through the ComPsych Employee Assistance Program by calling 855-410-7628. Students seeking support can access the Counseling Center at 410-455-2472 or, at the Shady Grove campus, the USG Center for Counseling and Consultation at 301-738-6273.
President Freeman Hrabowski and Provost Philip Rous
