Dear friends and colleagues,
The Russian invasion of Ukraine has committed unconscionable actions and its incalculable costs. You have undoubtedly seen the horrifying images of a nation under attack, its people in crisis; look hard, just for example, at one terrified mother evacuated with her three year-old son, who is undergoing treatment for cancer—and the one of many dedicated nurses caring for newborn babies who should have been in a neonatal ICU, but were relocated to a makeshift bomb shelter in a hospital basement. So, We have many emotions—including anger, deep sadness, and great concern for the safety, well-being, and lives of our brothers and sisters, the Ukrainians—and with gratitude for the sacrifices and service of nurses across that embattled nation. Nurses lead and serve no matter the circumstance, placing the patient—whether a person or a whole people--at the center of their care. We stand in solidarity with our nursing colleagues in Ukraine. Their current experience reminds us that crisis and conflict affect health in perilous ways.
My thoughts are with any of you who have family or loved ones in Ukraine or its neighbors. These times demand kindness, humanity, and unity. They also demand that we, as nurses out loud, rise up, raise our voices, and demand an end to this hateful war.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the people of Ukraine, and for the courageous nurses—our colleagues there—who are giving everything they have to protect their people and their nation.
I am including details below from MGB News today with further resources to support our colleagues.
In solidarity for peace,
Dr. Ken White
Dean and Professor
School of Nursing
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