Dear students,

It is impossible to address all of you without acknowledging the pain, fear and uncertainty many of you have experienced and may continue to experience following the terrible tragedy at Michigan State University.

You have heard this many times but I will repeat it: the U-M community is here for you. CAPS continues to offer support options and our Well-being Collective has compiled a list of additional well-being resources. As I said in last month’s newsletter, no one should suffer in silence. This is especially true in the wake of such a tragedy.

Whether you consider February “spring” or not, spring break is fast approaching. I hope you are all able to find time to rest and relax. Spring break is such an important time to recharge and prepare for the final sprint to the end of the semester.

If you are traveling internationally, don’t forget to register your trip and consider your insurance options. See Preparing for Upcoming International Travel for details.

And if you are staying put, enjoy your time in a quieter Ann Arbor. Spring break can be a great time to explore our campus, including places you haven’t been before. U-M is home to an outstanding collection of museums and trails and gardens that are beautiful year round. The Michigan app features Nature Rx, which offers an inventory of quiet and peaceful spots around campus, including accessibility descriptions.

I hope you all are able to find some stillness in the days ahead.

Stay healthy, Wolverines,

Robert D. Ernst, M.D.
Chief Health Officer
Associate Vice President of Student Life
Executive Director of University Health Service

HEALTH AND WELLNESS UPDATES

U-M student mental health survey
Share your perceptions of U-M mental health resources, including CAPS, for a chance to receive free Blue Bucks by February 28. Not only will you help to determine how we can best meet the mental health needs of you and your classmates in the future, but you will have a chance to be randomly selected to receive $100 or $25 in Blue Bucks. If you wish, you can choose not to be eligible to be selected. All answers are strictly confidential.

Prevention Starts with All: The Chris Herren Story
Next month, I recommend that you come to the Michigan Theater to attend an inspiring presentation from former NBA athlete Chris Herren as he shares his journey navigating the disease of addiction, the road to recovery and his mission to reach just one person and make a difference. Chris’s talk will be followed by a Q&A with the community. Resources & Narcan will be provided.

Wednesday, March 8
7:00-9:00 pm
Michigan Theatre: 603 E Liberty St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104

Health Awareness Month: Free Drop-in CPR/AED Training
The CDC has designated February as American Heart Month. According to the American Heart Association, immediate CPR can double or triple chances of survival after cardiac arrest. Learn more before the women’s basketball team takes on the Buckeyes.

Monday, February 20
6-7pm
Crisler Center Concourse
Right before U-M Women’s Basketball takes on OSU

DID YOU KNOW?
Have you heard of wellness coaching?
If you ever find yourself having thoughts like, “I have so much to do, and managing my time has felt hard,” “Thank goodness for this coffee; I haven’t been sleeping great this week!,” “I wonder what I should do when I graduate…,” or “My partner and I have been having some problems recently and I know we should talk but I don’t know how to start,” the Wellness Coaches at Wolverine Wellness can help. Learn more and sign up for this free, confidential service.