Saskatchewan people, as well as many across Canada and beyond, rallied around the Humboldt Broncos and all those affected by Friday’s terrible highway accident. We extend our condolences to the families and friends who lost loved ones, and our thoughts and prayers are with those injured and their families and friends. Many are grieving and feeling this loss deeply, but I hope have found comfort in the incredible, heartfelt and widespread support of our province, our nation and the world.
A number of our medical faculty, residents, students, physical therapists and alumni were directly involved in providing care following the accident. To each of you, to the other care providers and direct responders, I and the College of Medicine offer our humble thanks and appreciation.
Many in the CoM are directly impacted through other connections beyond our work and learning roles—Saskatchewan is such a small, connected and close-knit community. I add my voice in reminding you that others are ready to provide you with support in the wake of a very difficult weekend. Find specific information below.
CoM students:
- CoM Office of Student Affairs
- U of S Student Wellness Centre
- In the UGME office, Dr. Pat Blakley, Dr. Meredith McKague, your Year Chair or Sherry Pederson.
CoM residents:
For CoM faculty, staff, residents and students:
- Employee and Family Assistance Program at the U of S
Assistance is also available to physicians through the Saskatchewan Health Authority and the Saskatchewan Medical Association. I, and all in the dean’s office and in leadership roles in the CoM will also help in any way we can. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us.
This tragedy is a reminder of how suddenly our lives can change and that the people in our lives are so incredibly important. We can lose sight of that in the day-to-day rush of things. The outpouring of support that began Friday evening and continues now underlines just how needed and valued our family, friends and community are to each of us.
Thank you, once again, to our faculty, alumni, residents and students for all you have done since Friday, and continue to do, to care for and support our patients, their families and friends.
Yes, we stand behind our provincial family and particularly those who are directly involved. We share their pain in this great loss. This is deeply in our heart and prayers.
Chong Wong
Also my thanks and appreciation for all that is being done in this very dark time.
We have so much to be thankful for, and this sad sad situation certainly provides perspective.
I want to express my gratitude for all who have helped, and continue to work for the Humboldt team, their families, community and other connections.
Prayers,