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Two tragedies this week remind us of the interconnectedness of our world, and the importance of supportive communities.


As we all continue to process the impacts of COVID-19, along with the pain of racism and injustice in our nation, two tragedies this week remind us of the interconnectedness of our world, and the importance of supportive communities.

On Tuesday, in Beirut, Lebanon, an explosion killed 135 people, wounded over 5,000, left hundreds of thousands of residents homeless, and shut down major hospitals.

North Carolina also experienced disaster this week as Hurricane Isaias and tornadoes spawned by the storm killed two residents of Bertie County and caused extensive damage in our coastal communities.

While these events occurred thousands of miles apart, they are each felt here in our UNC School of Medicine. For some within our community, Lebanon is home. Many others have friends and family affected by the explosion. Others we work and learn alongside have family and roots in Eastern North Carolina.

Times like these remind us that distant events are often a lot less distant to some in our community. Please reach out and support those affected by these events in whatever ways that you are able. Stay informed about national and international events, check in with each other frequently, and continue to care for each other as we strive to be highly competent and caring physicians and colleagues.