For all of us, COVID-19 has been overwhelming. Some days, it's difficult to find the patience to cope with this pandemic that has gone on for far too long and has caused too much illness and despair. While there are reasons to be optimistic with the roll-out of the vaccine, we must be mindful that the upcoming months will continue to pose public, personal, and mental health challenges. Remember to adhere to the four W's. Continue to wear a mask, watch your distance, wash your hands, and wear a Bio-Button. In addition to the four W's, and as part of our commitment to make sure Oakland University is responsive and the healthiest campus it can be, we are launching the Healthy Campus campaign, a series of programs and resources designed to provide the help you need when you need it. As a community, we must be open, compassionate, and deal with the mental health strain and tension inflicted by this pandemic. Conversations about how we feel should include our physical and our mental health. The challenges posed by the pandemic are not insurmountable and will not diminish our resolve and our commitment. Working together, we'll get through this healthier and stronger. >> The focus of the Healthy Campus Initiative in 2021 is mental health. We understand that our lives have had irreversible change over the last year. Although OU cannot fix it all, we are encouraged by the dedication of many in our campus community to offer resources in programming in order to address this need. There are already numerous ways to engage with and explore mental health challenges and resources through OU. That isn't even including our community partners. As the year progresses, there will be more opportunities to come from human resources efforts to OU's Counseling Center to the well-being that comes from physical activity as offered through university recreation and well-being. What is important to focus on in this upcoming year is taking care of yourself and taking care of each other. >> I am so excited to be launching the Healthiest Campus for Michigan Initiative at Oakland University. As part of this campaign, I am challenging everyone to take action. First, check out and bookmark our new website at oakland.edu/healthycampus, for all the information on becoming the Healthiest Campus for Michigan. Second, follow OU official and OU RecWell on our social media platforms. Social media is a great way to stay connected and up to date with the campus community and everything going on around you. Finally, participate and get involved. The theme for 2021 is Mental Health. That starts with programs like iPause, the Green Bandana Project, and Mental Health First Aid training opportunities. But these are just a few examples of the many ways for you to engage. I know that as faculty, staff, and students, when we prioritize ourselves and our health and take advantage of the wellbeing programs, services, and resources available here at OU, we're all more successful in both our academics and work. I hope that you will take the time to identify and utilize what you need to create a healthy year for your mind and body as we all work together to make Oakland University the healthiest campus for Michigan.