Wishing Everyone Happy Holidays: Week of April 14th, 2022

Students, Faculty, Residents, Staff, Alumni, Board Members and Friends,

Good morning on a beautiful Thursday! This week’s update is both a day early and abridged due to the upcoming holiday weekend.

Here are some items of interest:

COVID MONITORING: We have been closely monitoring the increase in cases nationally secondary to the the BA.2 variant of Omicron. Even though our positivity rates remain extremely low at the University, later today, out of an abundance of caution, Dr. Eckert will be sending out a message concerning a temporary modification to our masking policy beginning Tuesday, April 19. Please be on the lookout for that. 

INAUGURAL DEI EDUCATES! EVENT: In an effort to provide faculty and staff with a better understanding and to offer advice on how to be an effective ally to the LGBTQ+ community, our Diversion, Equity and Inclusion committee along with the Human Resources Department, recently hosted the inaugural DEI Educates! virtual event featuring Stan Kimer, president of Total Engagement Consulting, which specializes in diversity management and organizational effectiveness. Read more about the training session here. 

COMMENCEMENT KEYNOTE: Michelle J. Howard, Admiral, U.S. Navy, Retired, will be the keynote speaker for Salus University’s 124th commencement at 2 p.m. Thursday, May 26, at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts in Philadelphia. I’ve known Michelle for years as we were both in the same Flag Officer indoctrination class. Read more about Admiral Howard here.

SLP CAPSTONES: Salus University’s Speech-Language Pathology program Class of 2022 students were able to demonstrate how well they worked together in small groups and communicated with each other during the annual Capstone presentations. Click here for details.

DEEP DIVE INTO POST-BACC: In this podcast, we talk with Candida Mulligan, an admissions officer in Salus University's Office of Admissions. She talks to us about the Post-baccalaureate program and how it is unique to Salus. Click here for more information.

FINAL THOUGHTS: As we continue Ramadan and approach Passover and Easter, I find myself reflecting on our important mission at Salus: We advance integrated healthcare through innovative education, research and clinical services.

Together, we do so much good for our students and the communities we serve. With everything happening in the world -- in Ukraine and in our own neighborhoods, Iet’s revisit the core values that have led most of us to the healing professions: gratitude, compassion, justice, honesty, humility, integrity, dignity and respect for human life, to name a few. No matter what holidays we celebrate, whether it be the continuation of Ramadan, Passover or Easter these practices are worthy of regular reflection and recommitment. Not only do they strengthen our service as educators and clinicians, they add meaning and purpose to our relationships. They enrich our shared humanity.

I hope you find some time for rest and relaxation over the holiday weekend.. Continue to be safe, continue to take all the appropriate precautions to prevent the spread of the virus and look out for one another. Together we are SALUS STRONG.

Mike

Time to Recognize Gun Violence as a Public Health Emergency: Week of April 8th, 2022

Dear Students, Faculty, Residents, Staff, Alumni, Board Members and Friends,

Good morning from Elkins Park where the rain has finally let up and where we hope to see some sunshine! It’s been another busy week on campus with our students and faculty in classes, clinics, and labs. Our Covid numbers have remained low, which is consistent with what we’re seeing throughout the county. As the BA.2 variant continues to be the dominant strain, we are still strongly encouraging everyone to wear a face mask when out in public spaces where it’s difficult to socially distance.

A WIN FOR DIVERSITY: Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson, President Joe Biden’s nominee for the Supreme Court, was confirmed by a 53-47 vote in the Senate. The confirmation of Judge Brown Jackson, as the first Black woman Justice, is a win for diversity and inclusion, with another step toward representation for ALL being our norm.

Exciting news around campus:

MATCH DAY BUZZ: There’s always some buzz and anxiety surrounding Match Day when all residency programs and candidates who applied receive their results on where they ultimately matched after a season of residency interviews. Meet this year’s PCO/Salus residents, who start their residencies July 1, 2022, here.

BEST PRACTICES SCHOLARSHIP: Benjamin Gustin ‘23OD — a Pennsylvania College of Optometry (PCO) at Salus University Doctor of Optometry (OD) student enrolled in the Accelerated Scholars Program – is the recipient of CooperVision’s 2022 Best Practices Student Scholarship, offered to outstanding third-year optometry students. Read more here.

PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD: Kelly Salmon, SLPD, CCC-SLP, BCS-S, CLT-LANA, NDC, an assistant professor in the Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) department at Salus University, was part of a team that presented one of the top three posters to win the Dysphagia Research Society (DRS) People’s Choice Award at the group’s virtual conference in mid-March. To read more, click here.

BAY SCHOLARSHIP WINNER: Congratulations to Nia Phillips ‘23OD, who is the 2022 Rick Bay Foundation Scholarship award winner. Find out Nia’s reaction to the award by clicking here.

FINAL THOUGHTS: Last Wednesday I attended the monthly meeting of the Sunday Breakfast Club (which actually meets on Wednesday evenings — don’t ask). The organization is comprised of a diverse group of leaders from the Greater Philadelphia Region’s business, non-profit and government sectors, who engage in shared learning and conversation about the issues of our time.

The topic for the evening was healthcare, with an emphasis on the pandemic and health issues facing the region. Participants included Patricia Wellenbach, chair of the Thomas Jefferson University board of trustees, which oversees Jefferson Health; Dr. David Rubin, director of CHOP's Policy Lab; and Betty Long, president and CEO of Guardian Nurses Healthcare Advocates. They opened with observations of how people and organizations continue to cope with the pandemic, and quickly zeroed in on what they perceive is the top healthcare issue facing Philadelphia. Every panelist agreed: the gun violence epidemic is the number one public health issue in Philadelphia. They urged all to take this as a call to action. As healthcare providers, we cannot ignore this.

Last year in Philadelphia, there were more than 550 gun-related homicides. Nationwide, there were 107 mass shootings (defined as 4 or more victims), 122 people killed and 325 injured, for a total of 447 total victims, including the shooters in some instances. According to the New York Times, guns account for over 40,000 deaths annually in the U.S. This includes homicides, suicides and accidents. While mass shootings and other gun-related homicides tend to get all the press attention, over 50% of gun deaths are suicides.

Deaths attributed to guns represent a public health emergency. Not surprisingly, the number of civilian owned guns directly relates to the number of gun deaths. What stands out is just how many more guns are owned in the U.S. compared to other developed countries.

We need a multi-faceted approach that includes: funding for mental health initiatives; enhanced suicide prevention initiatives; community-based violence prevention measures; enacting effective gun control laws, such as universal background checks; barring people with a history of mental illness and domestic violence from purchasing guns; and banning assault weapons and high-capacity ammunition magazines. I raise this not to make a political statement, but as a measured response commensurate to this dire public health emergency. As healthcare professionals, we have a responsibility to do what we can to turn this around.

As you begin your weekend, I ask that you give some thought to how we might play a positive role in addressing this urgent public health issue. Please stay safe, continue to wear your facemask when around others, socially distance and wash your hands frequently.

You are SALUS STRONG because of your commitment to helping others improve their lives. Take care of one another, stay safe and take time to rest.

Mike

Addressing Resiliency: Week of April 1st, 2022

Students, Faculty, Residents, Staff, Alumni, Board Members and Friends,

Good morning! It’s been another busy week on campus with everyone working hard to reach the semester’s finish line. I want to take a moment to thank our security staff, especially Ryan, Sherman, and Carlos, for their skillful handling of a campus incident this week. It’s very comforting to know we have a team of experts on board keeping us all safe!

Other items of interest include:

WELL-EARNED RETIREMENT: After 45 years of service to children and adults with hearing loss, Robert DiSogra, AuD ’02, is retiring. Dr. DiSogra is the first Osborne College of Audiology advisory board chairman who planned and taught the pharmacology/ototoxicity course for the first five years after the AuD program was initially inaugurated in 2000. Read more about Dr. DiSogra’s career here.

CPPD EVENTS: Two events from our Center for Personal and Professional Development (CPPD) worth considering: (1) If you've ever questioned your alcohol consumption, please join CPPD's Dr. April-Davis from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, April 7, in Room W300-C to complete a brief alcohol use screening and plan next steps. (2) CPPD’s Jana Walker, a licensed social worker and yoga instructor, is using these combined skills to offer students a six-week Trauma Informed Restorative Yoga series on Tuesdays from 6 to 7 p.m. beginning April 5 and ending May 10 via Zoom. Beginners are welcomed. Zoom link here.

COMMUNICATIONS AWARD: Congratulations to Salus University's Communications Department, which was awarded the bronze award in the Interactive Media category at this year's annual CUPPIE Awards hosted by the College & University Public Relations and Associated Professionals (CUPRAP). The awarded media showcased our students and their hard work in becoming the next generation of healthcare professionals. Watch the video here.

FINAL THOUGHTS: This week I attended the American College of Healthcare Executives annual educational Congress. During yesterday’s Navy Lewis E. Angelo Professional Symposium focusing on Resiliency in Leadership, I was struck by how each speaker defined and addressed resiliency, and how they distinguished resiliency from toughness. Resiliency is a form of healing. It is the ability to recover from difficulties and move on. Resiliency means having the capability to adapt as necessary, both mentally and physically. Resilience allows us to integrate stress or emotional upheaval and emerge stronger and wiser. Toughness, on the other hand, is the ability to push through difficult situations such as failures or stressful situations in the moment.

As a faculty, student body and staff, everyone has exhibited toughness through the pandemic. But we have also exercised resilience as we have integrated new strategies to move our institution forward. For every choice you have made in our pandemic journey to exercise grit, resilience and to do so with kindness, I am inspired and eternally grateful.

Perhaps my biggest takeaway from the discussion on building resilience is that we cannot do this alone. Resilience requires a good support system — it can be a close friend, family member, colleague, or a group of friends. In the case of our students, you can lean on your family and friends, but also our caring and talented CPPD counselors. Our faculty and staff can always reach out to counselors via their health plans. We are all in this together, and we are collectively more resilient when we give and receive support. I personally cope through exercise and relying on family and friends. There’s no wrong way to do this, except trying to do it alone.

As we approach the weekend, we continue to keep Ukrainians, here and abroad, in our thoughts and prayers. We are still collecting essential goods in front of our cafeteria for all who have been displaced by the war.

Be safe, continue to take appropriate precautions — wear your face mask when around large groups, wash your hands frequently and socially distance when you can. Look out for one another, continue to build your resiliency and remain SALUS STRONG!

Mike

Remembering Those We've Lost: Week of March 25th, 2022

Dear Students, Faculty, Residents, Staff, Alumni, Board Members and Friends,

Good morning on a chilly Spring morning for Elkins Park. It’s been another busy week at Salus as our students prepare for boards and exams in addition to their busy didactic and clinical schedules. We continue collect clothing, medical supplies and non-perishable foods in the lobby outside our cafeteria in support of families displaced by the war in Ukraine. We also keep all Ukrainians in our thoughts as they courageously defend the sovereignty and freedom of their country.

Other items of interest include:

UKRAINE ADOPTION ODYSSEY: It’s been a long, challenging and sometimes dangerous journey for Maryana Kravchenko, OD ‘12, and her husband Dmitriy, to adopt a Ukrainian teenager. And, it’s not over yet. Read more here about Dr. Kravchenko’s firsthand experience with the war currently raging in Ukraine.

TEI EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR: Congratulations to our Patient Care Services Team Employee of the Year 2021, Teryl Simmons! This award recognizes exemplary performance by the Patient Care Services Team (Patient Service Representatives and Medical Records Clerks) who have been identified by their supervisors, peers and providers as having consistently excelled in their positions and demonstrated integrity and a strong commitment to The Eye Institute’s mission.

DEI SPEAKS! EVENT: Nydia Han, an investigative reporter and a Sunday morning co-anchor with 6ABC Action News in Philadelphia, was the featured speaker at our recent DEI Speaks! event. She shared excerpts from her work #ThisIsAmerica (issues of race, discrimination, and bias) documentary. Read more about the presentation here. 

WHERE ARE THEY NOW: Our next Where Are They Now features Allison Bicskei, MSOT ‘16, OTR/L, LSVT. Allison’s father is an occupational therapist, so she’s had a front-row seat for seeing how great of an impact OTs can have on someone’s life. Read more about Allison here. 

REMEMBERING DR. RAGONE: Lawrence A. Ragone, OD ‘53, FAAO, who joined the Pennsylvania College of Optometry (PCO) faculty in 1965 and at the time of his retirement in 1993 held the rank of associate professor, passed away March 7, 2022, at the age of 94. Read more here.

FINAL THOUGHTS: This week began with the tragic loss of two, brave Pennsylvania State Policemen and the person they were aiding, and ended with the passing of former Secretary of State Madeline Albright. Secretary Albright was a beacon of democracy and honesty during her tenure as Secretary of State. As the first female to serve in that position, she set the bar extremely high for anyone, man or woman, who would follow. This week we have also seen the utter destruction of the city of Mariupol in Ukraine contrasted by the resilience and bravery of the Ukrainian people still living there. Our hearts and thoughts go out to all who have been affected by these tragedies.

There are people here at home who are trying to raise awareness and assist those currently in harm’s way. Our colleagues at Manor College have been leading the charge in collecting food, clothing and medical supplies for Ukrainian refugees. What most people don’t know is that Manor has a well-established museum of Ukrainian Heritage which I had the opportunity to visit yesterday with Manor College President Jon Peri. Visiting helped me fully appreciate the culture, creativity and spirit of the Ukrainian people and their determined resistance to Russian dominance.

Our world is experiencing traumatic, era-defining changes. Not since the beginning of World War II have we seen this level of atrocity in Europe, nor have we seen environmental challenges wrought by climate change in our lifetimes. While it’s easy to get pretty depressed over all of this, I do believe it’s also important to highlight the things we have that are good. We are so very lucky to live in a country where we are free to express our opinions, go about freely and get the type of education you all are engaged in now. I am optimistic, even with the current state of affairs, that good will prevail in Ukraine, and we will find strength in solidarity. Take pride in the professions you’ve chosen to help others and make their lives better because, in the end, what matters most is what each of us individually can do to make another’s life better. We cannot control world events, but we certainly can control our own actions to care for others.

As we approach the weekend, please keep the families of our Pennsylvania State police tragically killed as well as Madeline Albright’s family and all those suffering in Ukraine in our thoughts and prayers.

Take care of one another, wear your face mask when around large crowds, wash your hands frequently and remain SALUS STRONG!

Mike

Addressing Stress: Week of March 18th, 2022

Dear Students, Faculty Residents, Staff, Alumni, Board Members and Friends,

Good morning on this pleasant, spring-like Friday! I hope you are adjusting to the time change and enjoying the extra hour of daylight with daylight savings time. While daylight burns, our students, faculty and staff remain as busy as ever between classes, labs and clinical schedules. We also keep all Ukrainians in our thoughts as they courageously battle Russia’s inhumane onslaught on their cities. We continue to collect canned goods, clothing and medical supplies in support of refugees. Look for the boxes in the lobby adjacent to the Elkins Park campus cafeteria.

Other items of interest include: 

HELP FOR UKRAINE: Salus students Alexandra Domaradsky ‘22PA and Jamie Dorotov ‘23SLP, both first generation Ukrainian Americans, are collecting donations for the people of Ukraine. Find out more about their efforts and how you can help by clicking here.

NEW BOT MEMBER: Danita Nias, president and CEO of the Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties in Florida, has joined the Salus University Board of Trustees effective January 2022. She has a bachelor’s degree in business from the University of Maryland and a master’s degree in International Relations from Syracuse University. She is currently working on her PhD dissertation titled “The Role of University Presidents in University Fundraising Performance.” Read more about her here.

NEW EXTERNSHIP DIRECTOR: Congratulations to Rachel Brackley, OD ‘09, Resident ‘10, FAAO, who has been named the new director of the University’s Externship program. She replaces Satya Verma, OD ‘75, FAAO, DPNAP, Diplomate, who retired at the end of 2021 after 50 years at PCO/Salus. You can read more about Dr. Brackley here.

ON-CAMPUS CADAVER LAB: Check out this conversation with Michael Speirs, associate professor in our Physician Assistant Studies (PA) Program, about the on-campus cadaver lab and how it benefits our Salus students. Click here for more. 

FINAL THOUGHTS: The war in Ukraine, climate change, global pandemic, and midterm election politics, all contribute significantly to the stress already felt with packed academic and clinical schedules. I don’t know anyone who has not been touched by the events in Europe, the pandemic or climate change. While none of us is immune from this, there are things we can all do to mitigate some of the feelings we might be having. I’ve reminded you of these before, and I don’t think I can do it enough, given all that’s happening around us.

Here are some suggestions that may help with stress:

• Stay focused on your studies - Keep up with your learning and try not to fall behind. Not only is focusing on school a great break from focusing on what’s going on in the world, it’s also a way to progress in your life while everything else seems like it’s on pause.
• Develop a routine you can stick to - Sounds basic, but it will make a world of difference. Get up, make your bed (now you’ve accomplished at least one thing!), exercise, have breakfast, etc.
• Get enough sleep – This also sounds pretty basic and to some, maybe it seems like “mission impossible” but the better rested you are, the more capable your body and mind will be at handling things including stress. Prioritize sleep and you’ll be more productive, resilient and attentive.
• Get outside and enjoy the fresh air – As the weather gets warmer, there are so many outdoor parks and places around us to explore and walk. Being in nature helps calm the mind, exercise our bodies and replenish our spirits.
• Make sure you have what you need for the next day - Check the schedule, lay out your clothes, make your lunch, etc.
• Use social media purposefully – Limit your screen time and refrain from posting for “likes” or for the sake of making the “best content”. Use social media to connect with some new classmates or the people you miss seeing every day.

We have skilled counselors in our Center for Personal and Professional Development (CPPD) who are there for you. strongly encourage you to contact them, if you feel like you need to. All you need to do is make an appointment here. For faculty and staff, please contact your health insurance carrier who can assist you. Finally, it looks like we’re in for a pretty nice weekend, so get out and enjoy the fine weather. As COVID numbers remain low (zero cases reported on campus and through random screenings this week), please remember to wear your mask when appropriate, wash your hands frequently and socially distance when you can. We are closely watching the new “Deltacron” variant in Europe and here at home to ensure we’re ready if numbers increase.

Be safe, continue to act responsibility and thank you for remaining SALUS STRONG!

Mike

Keeping Ukrainians in Our Thoughts: Week of March 11th, 2022

Dear Students, Faculty, Residents, Staff, Alumni, Board Members and Friends,

Good morning from New Orleans where I have been attending both the Armed Forces Optometric Society and Southern Educational Council of Optometry’s annual meeting. It’s been a busy week of fantastic continuing education and meeting other optometric colleagues. For those PCO faculty, students and alumni who might also be here, PCO will be hosting a reception later today from 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. at The Bower, 1320 Magazine St, New Orleans.

Here are some other topics that you might find interesting: 

SLEEP AWARENESS WEEK: The Center for Personal and Professional Development (CPPD)is highlighting the importance of sleep during Sleep Awareness Week March 13-19. Catch up with Dr. Cristina Laracuente-Trzaska, PsyD, CPPD’s newest counselor, outside the cafe from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, March 16. Grab a sleep mask and enter CPPD's gift basket raffle. You can pick up some additional tips on healthy sleep habits by following the Instagram (@cppd_salus) and Facebook accounts here. Feel free to reach out to our CPPD counselors, who have expanded their hours and services, for an individual counseling appointment. You can meet the counselors and see their open hours here. 

OTs AND REFUGEES: To help ensure refugee children have a healthy start to their lives in the United States, the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) recently shared information with the University’s Occupational Therapy (OT) students on how to assist with their efforts. Read more about that here. 

ACCELERATED SCHOLARS, PART SIX: Are you interested in fulfilling a residency after completing optometry school? In the sixth part of this series focused on the Pennsylvania College of Optometry (PCO) at Salus University's Accelerated Scholars Doctor of Optometry Program, three on-campus residents – Kiera Jeschke, OD ‘21, Chandni Patel, OD '21, and Natalee Rackus, OD '21, discuss how and why they chose PCO/Salus for their specific interests. Learn more here. 

WHERE ARE THEY NOW: This week’s Where Are They Now features Kaylin Magosin, MSOT ’20, who was in the final two weeks of her first clinical rotation when the pandemic hit. Find out how Kaylin handled that challenge and what she’s been doing since graduation. Read more here.

MASKING ON CAMPUS: A reminder that while we are “mask optional” in non-instructional spaces on the Elkins Park campus, please remember that in all instructional spaces (classrooms and labs) and clinics face masks are required. Please be respectful of those who are not yet comfortable or are unable to take their masks off due to health-related reasons.

FINAL THOUGHTS: As you prepare for this weekend, I ask that you continue to keep the Ukrainian people, both here and in Europe, in your thoughts and prayers as the Russian invasion continues to take innocent lives and displace millions of people. We are still collecting non-perishable food, first aid supplies, OTC medicines, and various hygiene products to help the people of Ukraine. A box has been placed in the cafeteria lobby on the Elkins Park campus for those who would like to contribute.

Please try to get outside, even in the cold blustery weather predicted for the weekend, just to unwind and destress. As you do go about your travels, please remember that while COVID numbers are extremely low, you still need to take the appropriate precautions such as masking when around large groups, social distancing and washing your hands frequently to help prevent any spread of the virus.

Be safe, continue to look out for one another and remain SALUS STRONG!

Mike

Keeping Ukrainians in Our Thoughts and Prayers: Week of March 4th, 2022

Dear Students, Faculty, Residents, Staff, Alumni, Board Members and Friends,

Good morning on this brisk Friday. It’s been an eventful week, both on and off campus. Let me begin our weekly update with campus happenings: 

ACCELERATED OD PROGRAM EXTERNSHIPS: Our next series features Rachel Brackley, OD ‘09, Resident ‘10, PCO assistant professor, and Bhawan Minhas, OD, FAAO, Resident ‘14, sharing more about externship options and the selection process for our OD Accelerated Scholars program. Students Michael Furey ‘22OD and Anna Hess ‘22OD provide student perspectives in selecting externships. Click here for more. 

LATINO HEALTH DISPARITIES: David X. Marquez, PhD, an expert in health disparities within the Latino community, spoke to our Salus community during a recent DEI Speaks! event about the genesis of his research: his personal connection to Alzheimer’s disease. Read more here and view on our YouTube channel here.

NO MOUNTAIN HIGH ENOUGH: Our next Where Are They Now? features Michael Baertschi, PhD ‘15, a Swiss optometrist who graduated from our Biomedicine program. His thesis, “Factors influencing retinal venous pressure,” led him on an amazing scientific and adventurous journey that culminated on the summit of Mount Everest. Read more about Dr. Baertschi’s experience here.

NEW SLI EDUCATORS: The Speech-Language Institute (SLI) at Salus University welcomes Emily Jett, MA, CCC-SLP, Caitlin Raymond, MS, CCC-SLP and Kelly Snyder, MA, CCC-SLP, as clinical educators. They will oversee Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) students as they work with clients at SLI. Read more about them here.

AID FOR UKRAINE: We are collecting non-perishable food, first aid supplies, OTC medicines, and various hygiene products to help the people of Ukraine. A box has been placed in the main lobby on the Elkins Park campus for an indefinite amount of time. The donated goods will be given to a collection site in Philadelphia, which will send the donations to Ukraine. For additional information, contact PA 2022 Class Council (ccpa2022@salus.edu) or PA student Alexandra Domaradsky (axd0008@salus.edu). Additionally, Manor College has established a website that provides information on additional ways we can support the Ukrainian community.

DEI SPEAKS!: Nydia Han, an investigative reporter and a Sunday morning co-anchor with 6ABC, helped us continue our DEI Speaks! series this week with another virtual event based on her work on #ThisIsAmerica (issues of race, discrimination, and bias). The documentary is a digital series about race and who we are as Americans. This was created after Han’s Facebook video response to a driver who yelled, “This is America,” went viral. I urge everyone to watch the event recording, listen and learn. Han’s perspective and the lived experiences highlighted in her work offer insight about the scars of racism, and the needed change to work toward an anti-racist society.

FINAL THOUGHTS: I can’t help thinking about the barbaric and calculated destruction of Ukrainian cities that has resulted in thousands of innocent deaths. In just the past week, over a million citizens have fled the country seeking refuge to a destiny still very much unknown. Violence of this magnitude, with an authoritarian despot willfully invading a democratic republic, has not been seen since World War II. Our entire Salus community is very much engaged in what’s happening in Ukraine.

With all of this happening, please know there are resources available if you want to talk through some of the things that may be on your mind. Students can access CPPD counselors here and faculty and staff can access counseling services through their health plans.

If there is a silver lining, democracies around the world have united against this cruel onslaught, and Americans have come together in support of Ukraine. At Salus, we too, are doing our part to support families in need. Special thanks to several of our Class Councils for organizing our relief efforts. We applaud and support your leadership and initiative.

As you prepare for the weekend, I ask that you keep the Ukrainian people, both here and in Ukraine, in our thoughts and prayers as they persevere through these awful events. Even as masking rules have been relaxed both on campus and in our region, please keep in mind our fellow citizens who may be immunocompromised. Continue to mask up in places such as grocery stores and areas where there are high concentrations of people – for their protection and yours.

Stay warm, stay smart, continue to look out for one another and remain SALUS STRONG!

Mike