The George Washington University is monitoring the track of Hurricane Ian and offers support and resources to students, faculty and staff who are from or have loved ones in parts of the Southeastern United States that are likely to bear the impact of the strong storm. Like with Hurricane Fiona that last week caused massive flooding and severe damage in the Caribbean and Eastern Canada, our thoughts are with the GW community with friends and family in the storm’s path.
Below is a list of university resources available to students, faculty and staff.
Students
Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)
Our mental health professionals are available to speak to GW students and can consult with faculty, staff, or parents about any mental health-related concerns, if desired. Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) is available by phone 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 202-994-5300.
Students can call from anywhere for a single session phone consultation or a crisis call. If additional services are needed, next steps will depend on the student’s needs and physical location.
Services are free, including the initial consultation, 24/7 crisis support, and the first several individual counseling sessions. Everyone who needs care and support receives it. Additional self-help resources are available on the CAPS website.
Student Support
We encourage all students, faculty, staff, and families who may be concerned about a student in need of additional support to reach out to the university’s CARE Team. If you or someone you know has been personally affected by a hurricane, please submit a CARE Referral. For more information, please contact the CARE Team at 202-994-6555 or [email protected].
Academic Assistance
If you are a student who faces any academic difficulty, talk with your faculty as soon as the problems arise so that they can best assist you. We also encourage students to rely on your academic advisor for support and guidance in these circumstances, as well as contacting your student services representative as an additional outlet.
Financial Assistance for Students
If you are an undergraduate student and your financial circumstances have changed, we encourage you to speak to a representative from Student Financial Assistance for options regarding adjustments to your financial aid. Student Financial Assistance can be reached by phone at 202- 994-6620, email at [email protected], or by scheduling an online appointment.
Graduate students seeking financial assistance can review additional information here.
Students enrolled in GW Law should contact their school’s Financial Aid Office for more information.
Students enrolled in the MD program, in the School of Medicine and Health Sciences, should contact their program's Financial Aid Office for more information.
In addition, GW has emergency funding options available. Learn more at https://financialaid.gwu.edu/emergency-funding.
Resources available to benefits eligible employees only
The GW Employee Assistance Program is here to help during and after a crisis with staff available by phone 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The GW EAP provides confidential counseling and referrals for work-life support, from family care to home repairs. Counseling sessions are available in-person, by phone or via televideo and each person can receive 5 sessions per person, per issue, per year. More information can be found on the GW Employee Assistance Program website.
Health Advocate is also available to provide assistance, such as finding in-network providers if you need to relocate, help transferring medical records, coordinating care between medical providers and insurance companies, answering benefit and treatment questions, and providing assistance with elderly parents. You can call 866-695-8622 for assistance. They also have an active list of shelters and resources should you find yourself in need.
Resources available to all employees, regardless of benefits eligibility
Optum is offering a free emotional-support help line to affected individuals. The toll-free number, 866-447-3573, is available Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. ET. The service is free of charge and open to anyone, including individuals who are not UnitedHealthcare members. Callers may also receive referrals to community resources.
Teladoc Health activated our natural disaster support hotline for general medical care at no cost for individuals who have been displaced or impacted by Hurricane Ian in Florida.
- Natural Disaster Hotline: (855) 225-5032
- Landing Page: https://www.teladoc.com/
disaster-hotline/