Health and Wellness Update – Respiratory Illness and Mental Wellbeing
Dear Members of the Harvard Community,
We hope that you are settling into the rhythms of campus life after enjoying a restful Winter Recess. As you continue to attend classes, move your research and workplace priorities forward, and gather with colleagues and friends, we would like to share a brief health and wellness update.
Take Preventive Steps to Avoid Infectious Illness
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is reporting high levels of respiratory illness including flu, COVID-19, and RSV in Massachusetts. We encourage you to reduce your risk and risk to others by wearing a high-quality face mask in crowded indoor settings; remaining at home if unwell; and staying up to date on vaccines—including COVID-19, influenza, pertussis, RSV, and pneumococcal disease.
Additionally, we often see more infectious gastroenteritis (or “stomach flu”) during this season. Remember to practice good hand hygiene to prevent contracting a stomach bug.
Help Us Measure Student Wellbeing
This year, Harvard will participate in the American College Health Association-National College Health Assessment (NCHA). This voluntary and confidential survey evaluates the behaviors, health, and wellbeing of graduate and undergraduate students.
Students can expect an email from Dr. Nguyen via the NCHA that links to the assessment on Monday, February 26. The survey link will remain accessible through Friday, March 8. Participants will receive a $10 gift card upon completion.
We encourage students to take the survey and share their views. Your collective input provides valuable insight into the needs of our diverse student body and assists the University in developing education and adjusting services to further support your needs.
Mental Health Resources are Available
As you navigate the semester, we remind you of the available mental health support for students and for employees.
Students enrolled in the Student Health Fee can receive in-person and telemedicine sessions via Counseling and Mental Health Services (CAMHS) and can contact the 24/7 CAMHS Cares support line for urgent concerns. Additionally, the virtual mental health and wellbeing platform TimelyCare provides unlimited health coaching, self-care content, and 12 telehealth counseling sessions at no additional cost. Those enrolled in the Student Health Insurance Plan can receive mental health care outside of CAMHS from in-network providers; there is no visit limit for this care.
The University’s Wellbeing website provides support resources in times of uncertainty and School-specific resources for faculty and staff to support students experiencing mental health challenges.
Additionally, the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offers free, confidential help for all benefits-eligible Harvard employees and salaried student workers as well as their adult household members.
We wish you all the best this semester.
Robin Glover, MBA
Associate Provost for Student Affairs
Barbara Lewis, MD
Senior Director for Student Mental Health
Chief of Counseling and Mental Health Services
Giang T. Nguyen, MD, MPH
Associate Provost for Campus Health and Wellbeing
Executive Director and Henry K. Oliver Chair of Hygiene
Harvard University Health Services