Dear friends, colleagues, and learners,
We are heartbroken by the unfolding tragedy at the Lapu Lapu Street Festival on April 26th and the deep impact it is having on Vancouver’s Filipino community—and our own members within the Department of Pediatrics, UBC & BCCH family. Please know that we grieve with you and stand beside you.
On Saturday night and in the hours that followed, we have heard how many of you showed up to BCCH, as you always do—with dedication, compassion, and unwavering commitment to care—for that we are truly grateful. We have also heard how you are supporting your co-workers with Filipino heritage—THANK YOU.
In times like these, it’s important to take care of yourselves too. Make space to grieve, lean on each other, and reach out for support if you need it. You are not alone.
We are profoundly grateful to you. Thank you for the care you provide, the compassion you show, and the strength you share. It is an honor to serve alongside you.
The way our community has come together is nothing short of extraordinary. We also extend our heartfelt gratitude to all our health care partners across the other authorities who responded to the Code Orange.
Please share these resources and cascade this message within your work unit.
PHSA services and supports:
https://pod.phsa.ca/news/operational-news/Documents/All-staff-bulletin-Message-of-support-Filipino-community-2025-04-27.pdf
UBC resources for faculty, staff & learners:
https://www.med.ubc.ca/supports-for-faculty-staff-students/
UBC Mental health care for students:
https://students.ubc.ca/health/counselling-services/mental-health-care-ubc/
UBC Faculty & Staff, discover services, programs, and resources available to support your mental health and support workplace wellbeing:
https://hr.ubc.ca/health-and-wellbeing/mental-health/
With deep appreciation,
