An important message from Dean Bangsberg
To our OHSU-PSU School of Public Health students,
As we enter the first day of Spring Break, I hope this finds you healthy and weathering our changing circumstances well. This coming week is a time for a pause, a deep breath, and a reset.
Next week, when Spring Term begins, the School of Public Health, like all other schools and divisions at OHSU and PSU, will have moved completely to virtual classrooms. Our faculty are working very hard to adapt quickly to these new methods of teaching and I am confident the transition will be as smooth and successful as we can possibly make it for you. But I also encourage you to take advantage of the many resources available to you through both universities and not hesitate to ask questions of your faculty, your advisors, and of me and my Associate and Assistant Deans.
Today, Oregon Governor Kate Brown issued an executive order directing everyone in Oregon to stay at home, except for necessary visits to grocery stores, pharmacies, and other essential locations. I realize many of you are anxious about how this situation may be affecting you outside of your education. I know there are many worries about what this means for you and your loved ones and about practical issues such as finances, rent, childcare, and more.
Our public leaders in both Portland and Salem are listening to us all. Yesterday Governor Kate Brown placed a temporary moratorium on residential evictions for nonpayment in light of the public health emergency caused by the spread of coronavirus in Oregon. The order is effective for 90 days.
Last week, the City of Portland and Multnomah County declared a local eviction moratorium. Utility providers, including the Portland Water Bureau, Portland General Electric, and others, are suspending automatic service shutoffs in the event of nonpayment. Our government officials, businesses, and health authorities are all united in their support of our communities during this unprecedented time.
Once again, I encourage you to check out the resources available on our website. There are both academic and community resources and support services which might prove valuable. Bookmark the page and check back often as we learn of new support and assistance available.
The world may seem daunting right now, but we will come out of this. Now more than ever, as we face this unprecedented pandemic, people are seeing the critical need for a well-educated, highly trained, and well-funded public health force. I am confident the future will be yours.
For the time being, remember that we are all in this together and we will all get through this together.
Stay well, stay home, stay safe.
Dean Bangsberg
Previous Messages From Dean’s Bangsberg Regarding COVID-19