Community Loss

Dear BCC Community,

It pains me to share that a tragic incident that occurred outside of our building yesterday afternoon involved the death of a Berkeley High School student. I am heartbroken by this loss of a young life and would like to share my condolences to their family, friends, and the rest of the Berkeley High School community. So many Berkeley High students pass through our doors and become members of our community. This loss is close to home.

When a student passes the impact is felt throughout the academic community. In response, we are hosting a healing circle tomorrow, April 20, 2022 in the Atrium from 12:20-1:20 p.m. led by Janine Greer, Coordinator of the BCC Wellness Center. Please take some time out of your day to join if you feel the need to grieve, reflect, and share your feelings on this tragic event. You can also join the healing circle via Zoom.

The BCC Wellness Center offers services and can support you via the Mental Health Referral application. The mental health team offers tele-health services and are here for you in this time of need. You may also contact our partners at the Roots Community Health Center for access to individual and group therapy sessions. They are located at 7272 MacArthur Blvd, Oakland and their phone number is (510) 533-1248. Additionally, the Wellness Center has curated a list of outside referrals for mental health resources.

You can also receive immediate and additional support by calling the following hotlines for students with immediate needs:

  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (24/7): 1-800-273-8255
  • Alameda County Crisis Text Line (4-11 p.m./7 days/week): text SAFE to 20121
  • Berkeley Mental Health Mobile Crisis (11:30 a.m-10 p.m.; Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Sunday): 510-981-5254

I hope that you are able to find some solace and comfort with your loved ones during this time. Our BCC community is here for you.

In community –

Dr. Angélica Garcia

President, Berkeley City College