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Texas A&M Offers Support For Those Affected By Turkey-Syria Earthquake

Crisis counseling and other resources are available for students, faculty and staff impacted by the disaster.

Feb 10, 2023By Texas A&M University Division of Marketing and Communications

2 min. read

Collapsed buildings and rubble in Turkey with smoke billowing in the background

Smoke billows from the Iskenderun Port as rescue workers work at the scene of a collapsed building on Feb. 7, 2023 in Iskenderun, Turkey.

Credit: Getty Images

The 7.8 magnitude earthquake that hit Syria and neighboring Turkey earlier this week has killed tens of thousands of people, injured thousands more and flattened buildings and homes throughout the region. As rescue and recovery efforts continue, Texas A&M University has resources available to support members of the campus community affected by the disaster and has compiled relief effort information for those wishing to help.

Mental health and emotional support resources are available to all students, faculty and staff:

  • Student Assistant Services has case managers who can help students navigate the various resources available to them.
  • Crisis counselors from Texas A&M University’s Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) are on standby to help students with urgent needs Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visit CAPSto connect with a counselor. For after-hours support:
    • Text HOME to 741741. The crisis text line provides free, 24/7 support.
    • Call the HelpLine at 979-845-2700. This call line is staffed by students on weekdays from 4 p.m. to 8 a.m. and 24 hours a day on weekends when classes are in session.
    • Call the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988. Help is available 24/7.
  • Around-the-clock support for students is accessible through the My Student Support Program (My SSP) app. My SSP is a free, confidential service that can be accessed via the mobile app or websiteanytime, anywhere.
  • Employees are encouraged to use the Employee Assistance Program for counseling and to access other resources.

Additional information about group counseling and support sessions is forthcoming.

How To Help Recovery Efforts In Syria And Turkey

The earthquake has left thousands of people in need of food, shelter, medical care and other essential supplies. The Texas A&M Department of Global Engagement has compiled a list of ways Aggies can contribute toward recovery efforts.

For information about how to assist through monetary and in-kind donations, visit Global Engagement’s earthquake relief webpage.

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