Dear Members of the Harvard Community,
As the end of the semester draws to a close and many of you prepare for finals, travel, or end of the year obligations, we write to you to remind you of resources available for your health and wellbeing during this time.
Support in Times of Stress or Uncertainty
The physical and emotional wellbeing of our community is vitally important. Dealing with finals, deadlines, and end of year obligations can raise anxieties or feelings of exhaustion. Harvard has many resources and tools to help community members prioritize wellbeing and self-care. We encourage community members to take advantage of these, some of which we highlight below.
The Support Resources website includes information on safety and mental wellbeing. As a reminder, please contact HUPD at 617-495-1212 or local law enforcement via 911 if your physical safety is threatened at any time.
The Student Wellbeing and Mental Health website provides tips to prioritize relational wellness and links to Harvard resources. This includes:
- CAMHS Cares is a 24/7/365 support line available for Harvard students covered by the Student Health Fee. Students can speak directly with a licensed counselor about an urgent concern or a non-urgent mental health challenge.
- Counseling and Mental Health Services (CAMHS) is available for in-person and telemedicine appointments through Friday, December 22 at noon to help with issues that arise. CAMHS also offers virtual student workshops and groups.
- TimelyCare, a free virtual mental health and wellbeing platform for Harvard students covered by the Student Health Fee offers scheduled counseling, psychiatry, and self-care content.
For faculty and staff, the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a 24/7 resource with support for mental health issues or other challenges. Help is available at 877-EAP-HARV.
The Center for Wellness and Health Promotion offers a wide range of wellness workshops, services (including massages), and classes available to all Harvard community members.
Protecting the Community from Respiratory Illness
Please continue to take steps to protect yourselves, your colleagues, and your loved ones from circulating respiratory illnesses such as COVID-19, Influenza, RSV, and the common cold. Respiratory illness activity in the U.S. has been elevated for several weeks. If you are due for immunizations, please get vaccinated.
Masking remains a valuable and effective method to prevent respiratory infection. Wearing a face covering while indoors, in crowded settings or when visiting vulnerable loved ones can protect you and them. Additionally, consider taking a precautionary at-home COVID-19 antigen test in advance of visiting loved ones, regardless of whether you have symptoms. Do not attend events if you are ill or test positive. Free rapid COVID-19 antigen tests can be obtained through the United States Postal Service.
Harvard University Health Services will operate under its winter recess hours beginning Friday, December 22. Please consult this schedule if you will need care during this time.
Remember that you are not alone and that the University’s resources can provide support to you and those around you in the coming weeks and throughout the academic year. We wish you a safe, healthy, and restful winter break.
Robin Glover, MBA
Associate Provost for Student Affairs
Barbara Lewis, MD
Sr. Director for Student Mental Health, HUHS
Chief of Counseling and Mental Health Services
Giang T. Nguyen, MD, MPH
Associate Provost for Campus Health and Wellbeing
Executive Director, Harvard University Health Services