June 7, 2023

A follow-up to yesterday’s shooting outside Altria theater

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VCU and VCU Health communities:

We are all heartbroken over last night’s senseless shooting following a high school graduation ceremony outside the Altria Theater. 

This is a horrendous tragedy – compounded by it happening at an event that should be full of joy. My heart goes out to the family that lost two loved ones, and to all the families and people hurt, including everyone traumatized by this senseless act of violence. And our thoughts and prayers are also with everyone at Huguenot High School as the community faces this unimaginable and traumatic loss.

I am enormously grateful to everyone who immediately stepped up to help – from our VCU Police, parking, housing, counseling and library staff and all the members of our community who helped during such an incredibly stressful and difficult time. 

I am also deeply grateful for our care and security teams at VCU Health who worked – and are still working today – to save lives and comfort families. You responded with expertise and compassion in circumstances no one ever wants to imagine. I sincerely thank all of you. 

For those in need, we have resources to help. 

For VCU Health team members, emotional support resources are available:

  • Spiritual Care Team: Pager #6140 | 804-828-0928.

  • EAP Resources will continue to be available 24/7 at 804-828-4EAP (4327). Team members can call to speak with a therapist, schedule a time to meet, or managers can also call to request support on how to help their teams.

  • BERRT team response | (804) 381-8822

  • Additional resources can be found on the Emotional Wellness Intranet page.

For those on the Monroe Park Campus, University Counseling Services resources are available to students who need assistance. Students can also use resources through our Dean of Students Office, TimelyCare and You@VCU. VCU faculty members and staff can access a list of support resources on ramstrong.vcu.edu/. 

As we continue to process what took place, please be kind to everyone, and mindful that we all deal with things in different ways. And remember that the VCU and VCU Health communities are here to support you.

Sincerely,

 

Michael Rao
President, VCU and VCU Health System