Tulsa shooting and safety at CUIMC

Dear CUIMC community, 

We bear the burden, individually and collectively, of living through a time when the levels of violence in society are intolerable. This feeling is particularly acute in our community dedicated to improving health and caring for others. I’m sure you share with me the sense that it is difficult to absorb, much less understand, what we have been witnessing in recent weeks.

The shooting yesterday at Saint Francis Hospital in Tulsa has obvious resonance for us. I want to assure you that we are vigilant about the safety of all who come to CUIMC to study, work, conduct research, and receive medical treatment. We regularly seek to improve and enhance the security provided through the University’s Office of Public Safety and NYP Security. To that end, these entities collaborate with the New York Police Department and other law enforcement agencies, taking into account developments locally and nationally. This connection between Columbia and NYP and our local NYPD precinct to rapid response is strong and, where we have had to call on them, they have been highly responsive.

I also want to remind you of available resources for your health and wellbeing. CopeColumbia, developed by our Department of Psychiatry during the pandemic, provides confidential peer support to all CUIMC faculty and staff. Employees may find additional support at the University’s wellbeing website. Students have access to counseling and psychological services provided by Student Health on Haven, Religious Life, and support from their respective Deans of Students, Advisory Deans, and ODMA Faculty Advisors. Most importantly, please don’t hesitate to seek support wherever you find the most comfort.

All my best, 

Katrina Armstrong, MD 
Chief Executive Officer, Columbia University Irving Medical Center
Dean of the Faculties of Health Sciences and the Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons