A Message from Special Assistant to the Chancellor for COVID-19:
Dear CU Denver Community,
I am writing with another update about our COVID-19 activities and the cases we are experiencing in our community. Few members of our community report having COVID-19, and even fewer report being on campus within 48 hours of becoming symptomatic. Thankfully, these individuals have recovered or are recovering. Even with recovery, there are significant interruptions and impacts, and we all should continue to support and be patient with one other.
We have had 10 cases with campus contact since the beginning of the semester. At Lynx Crossing, we have had only two confirmed COVID-19 cases out of the 1,881 tests administered, and our residents continue to wear masks and make great decisions. Denver’s public health department confirmed that there is little transmission being reported in classrooms.
However, the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment and the Denver Department of Public Health & Environment are seeing transmission in small, often family events/gatherings. This is a reminder to all of us that this year we may need to consider celebrating traditional and religious holidays differently. With this cheery news, it is important to acknowledge that 2020 continues to be a daily slog for many of us with fewer family connections, illness, and changes in school programming whether that is in person or at home. Staying connected with each other and asking for help when you need it is critical. CU Denver has resources available (see below) and we are working on identifying new and different ways to increase connectedness. Stay healthy.
Chris Puckett
Managing Associate University Counsel
Special Assistant to the Chancellor for COVID-19
Mental Health Resources:
Caring for our mental health during these challenging times is essential. CU Denver and the Auraria campus offer a number of resources to support students, faculty, and staff in addressing their mental health needs, as well as training opportunities for how to help others.
For everyone:
- Coronavirus Consultation: If you are experiencing undue stress or anxiety, or sense any type of discrimination to your presence on campus, but do not have any symptoms associated with COVID-19, we encourage you to call the Health Center at Auraria to talk to a medical professional or counselor. Simply call 303-615-9999 and indicate that you would like to schedule a “Coronavirus Consultation.” There will be no charge for this visit.
- Lynx Connected: Free Suicide Prevention Training & Mental Health First Aid certification (free for students, $30 for CU Denver faculty / staff)
- 24/7 Crisis Support for all: Utilize the Colorado Crisis Services by calling 1-844-493-8255 or texting “TALK” to 38255.
- Well-being resources for CU Denver: YOU@CUDenver
For students:
- Counseling Center: Counseling therapy is free and available to CU Denver students at the Counseling Center. The Counseling Center is currently offering virtual telehealth sessions. Call 303-315-7270 to schedule an appointment. For after-hours support, call 303-615-9911.
- Free online training: You Can Help a Friend
For faculty and staff:
- CSEAP: Clinical counseling services are available through the Colorado State Employee Assistance Program (CSEAP), and through your individual CU Health insurance plans. You may also use the Real Help Hotline by calling 833-533-2428.
- Free online training for faculty and staff: You Can Help a Student
Human Resources site: HR has a number of resources listed on its homepage under the Crisis/Mental Health tab.
Asymptomatic COVID-19 Saliva Testing
Starting Nov. 1, through our partnership with COVIDCheckColorado, we will be offering the Yale University/FDA approved COVID-19 saliva test for free for students and for $6 for staff, faculty, and their households, at North High School and later in the month at Lynx Crossing.
Sign Up for COVID-19 Asymptomatic Test