Services and Resources for Those Affected by Wildfires

October 19th, 2017 - 1:43pm
The following communication was emailed to all College of Marin employees on October 19, 2017

The past week and a half has been especially difficult for COM employees, students, and their families who reside in the areas affected by the fires. In the days, weeks, and months ahead, those directly or indirectly impacted by the North Bay fires will start the difficult process of healing and rebuilding.   

We are asking faculty, managers, supervisors, and staff to be patient, sensitive, and supportive of our employees and students as all members of our college community work through the post-fire trauma and healing process.  

Also, please refer individuals to the services that are available to them:

Employees

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) – Services Available 24/7
PHONE: (800) 999-7222 
LOG ON: www.anthemeap.com Program name: SISC

If a wildfire has affected an employee or their family member, the EAP provides professional counseling, resources, referrals, and assistance for these and other topics: 
• Wildfire preparedness and evacuation updates 
• Relocation and housing 
• State and national relief organizations 
• Local and community agencies 
• Coping with crisis 

Students

Understanding the many emotions that can surface after a traumatic incident, students are encouraged to contact COM Psychological Services at (415) 485-9649. After hours, nights, and weekends use the Disaster Distress Helpline, (800) 985-5990 (phone) or text TalkWithUs (Spanish: Hablanos) to 66746. Additional information and tips for college students after a disaster or other trauma are available online. 

Psychiatric Emergency Services can be reached by calling (415) 473-6666 or 9-1-1.

Students should contact their instructors if they are having difficulty as they transition back to their classes.  

Anyone experiencing emotional crisis can text HOME to 741-741 to communicate with a compassionate, trained crisis counselor.

Additional On-Campus Resources

Counseling: (415) 485-9432
Student Health Services: (415) 485-9458
Student Activities and Advocacy: (415) 485-9375
Student Success: (415) 485-9431
Student Accessibility Services (SAS): (415) 485-9406
Extended Opportunities Programs and Services (EOPS): (415) 485-9605
Veteran Services: (415) 485-9410

We offer our deepest gratitude to the emergency crews working on what has become the worst fire in California’s history; please continue to keep them in your thoughts. With over 220,000 acres burned in the 13 major fires and 42 lives lost to-date, our hearts go out to all those affected by wildfires throughout the state. We are still trying to ascertain how many of our employees and students lost their homes. As we have done in the past, College of Marin will come together and offer whatever help we can provide to rebuild our communities.