September 13, 2001
Dear Colleagues:
The tragic aftermath of the abhorrent events of this past Tuesday continues to unfold. The UCSF community is blessed because, to the best of our knowledge, it has not suffered any direct loss of life. But we are also part of a global community, so some of us have already felt the hand of tragedy in our own lives, and more are likely to do so. Our hearts go out to all those who are suffering.
President Bush this morning declared tomorrow, Friday, September 14, as a national day of mourning. I ask that all members of the UCSF community, wherever they may be, and wherever possible, pause for a minute of silence at twelve o'clock noon on Friday. The campus is also planning a more extensive memorial observance for this coming Monday, September 17. We will announce the locations and other details tomorrow. The City of San Francisco will hold its own observance on the same day.
The campus has been composed and professional in its response to the tragedy.
-- There has been no interruption to our services to the public, including all
forms of health care.
-- Instruction and research have proceeded as usual.
-- There has been a stirring response to our appeal for blood donations: 450
units were donated on Tuesday and Wednesday alone. Dr. Pearl Toy, Chief of our
Blood Bank and Donor Center, has made a special plea for plateletpheresis donors
to give now due to the urgent need. Appointments may be made by calling 353-1809.
-- We continue to ask that all supervisors exercise liberal discretion in helping
employees cope with any personal consequences of the tragedy.
--The constraints on airline flights have posed some logistical problems (e.g.,
with shipping supplies). The magnitude of these is not yet clear, but they are
likely to continue for some indefinite period of time.
-- The campus continues to offer counselling services. See the UCSF Today website
for continually updated information: http://pub.ucsf.edu/today/index.php
I thank you all for the many ways that you have helped the campus move forward in the face of unspeakable national loss that has marked us all indelibly.
Sincerely,
J.Michael Bishop, M.D.
Chancellor