Trauma debriefing and care available

July 10, 2020

This message is sent on behalf of Dr. James Raper, AVP Health & Wellbeing, and Dedee DeLongpre Johnston, Interim Chief Human Resources Officer.

Wake Forest colleagues,

A confluence of ongoing critical events is presenting all of us with new challenges and stressors. The traumatic incident that took place during the Staff Advisory Council’s June forum call added to our growing concerns. These events impact us personally and professionally in multiple ways and also heighten our sense of vulnerability and concerns for safety on many levels.

It is imperative that we exercise great care for ourselves and each other during these times. This is especially important as many of us engage daily with those who are most vulnerable, traumatized, and facing multiple crises. Our continued capacity to do this difficult work adds a sense of urgency to our own self-care. The University Counseling Center and the SAFE Office have prepared this Manager’s Guide to Trauma and Grief Reactions to support those who are in critical support roles.

The Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center (WFBMC) has created a team of first-responder chaplains to provide trauma-sensitive debriefing and spiritual care to individuals and communities who have been impacted by any emergency, crisis, trauma or disaster. In keeping with our commitment to support the health and wellbeing of our community and to ensure that each of you receives the support you deserve, the Office of the Chaplain coordinates these services for any member of our community at no cost to the employee.

These one-hour meetings will be facilitated by Chaplain Glenn Davis, the Director of the First Responder Chaplaincy Team at WFBMC and other WFU staff. Their purpose is to:

1. affirm you and the vital work you do,
2. provide a safe place for you and your peers to voice concerns and questions,
3. offer guidelines for stress management as you care for yourself and others,
4. provide you with additional opportunities to receive free and confidential support for you and your families as needed.

Both University and First-Responder chaplains are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you would like to speak to one of our First Responder chaplains, please contact the Office of the Chaplain.

As a reminder, Information Services provides guidance and support in hosting online forums safely and securely. Additional policy information regarding the university’s commitment to these standards is forthcoming.

With much gratitude to each of you,

Dr. James Raper
AVP Health & Wellbeing

Dedee DeLongpre Johnston
Interim Chief Human Resources Officer