Our Hearts Go Out to Those Impacted by the Earthquake in Turkey and Syria

February 6, 2023

Dear Colleagues,

Today, we woke to news of the devastating earthquake that struck Turkey and Syria, killing more than 3,000 people at last count and injuring thousands more. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, this is the strongest earthquake to hit that region in over 100 years. Our hearts are with the earthquake’s victims and their families. On behalf of everyone at VNS Health, I also want to express our support to our own team members who have family and friends in these countries, as well as our patients, clients and members with ties there.

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) says it is “launching immediate cash assistance” from its Disaster Response Emergency Fund to help relief efforts in both countries. Many other organizations are also on the ground responding. You can contribute to them by clicking here.

If you feel you need additional support in the wake of this catastrophic event, please know our Employee Assistance Program offers free, confidential counseling, provided by New Directions. To connect with a therapist, call 800-624-5544 or click here to log in on the New Directions website (enter the company code “vnsny”).

For employees represented by 1199 SEIU, free, confidential counseling services are available through the union’s Member Assistance Program. To talk to a counselor, call (646) 473-6900.

Thank you,
Tracy

Tracy Dodd
Executive Vice President and Chief People Officer