October 9, 2023 - Emotional Support Services Available for Those Impacted by Conflict in Middle East

Dear Campus Community,   
  
We mourn the thousands of people who have been killed or injured, and are heartbroken by the violence over the weekend in the Middle East. As ongoing tensions and violence escalated into war between Israel and Hamas, the situation is painful and personal for many members within our campus and alumni community. As a University, we must come together with compassion and do all we can to support one another.  
  
If you or anyone you care about have been affected by what is taking place, counseling and emotional support services are available.   
  
Students can access services at the WellCat Counseling Center via its 24/7 crisis hotline, 1-855-530-6802.   
  
Faculty and staff can call LifeMatters, at 1-800-367-7474 or www.mylifematters.com(opens in new window) for 24/7 counseling and other services. Password: csuchico.  For more information, go to www.csuchico.edu/eap(opens in new window).   
  
Additionally, there are many organizations and offices on campus and off campus that can offer support, including the Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion(opens in new window). Off campus, the Islamic Center of Chico(opens in new window) and the Chico Hillel Center(opens in new window) are also valued resources.   
  
Sense of safety is paramount to our academic mission. This international conflict will impact those in our community in different ways, including anxiety, depression, anger, hurt, trauma response, and other impairments. Let’s offer compassion and care in the days and weeks to come. I also recommend seeking and creating safe spaces to talk with friends and loved ones about these events, and how they affect mental health and social well-being.  
 
Thank you for all you do to support each other, 
 
Steve Perez