Author: Meredith Muckerman

[April 14] Spring into Well-Being Annual Vaccine Clinic

Join RSR-Employee Health & Well-Being for the annual Spring into Well-Being vaccine clinic, open to all employees of George Mason University, and their family members ages 18 and older with insurance that allows pharmacy vaccination by Giant (e.g., Aetna, Anthem BlueCross BlueShield, and others). This year’s clinic offers a range of routine vaccines to help keep you, your family, and our community protected.

Date and Time: April 14, 10am-2pm

Location: Fairfax, Population Health Center

Appointments (Required): Register Here

Available Routine vaccines:

MMR (measles booster)
Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and whooping cough)
Pneumonia
Shingles

Planning to travel this summer?

If you have international travel coming up, you may need additional vaccines depending on your destination. The following travel vaccines are also available by request, simply indicate your interest when you register and we will follow up to confirm availability:

Polio booster
Hepatitis A
Meningitis
Typhoid

Not sure what you need? Talk to your doctor or visit the CDC Traveler’s Health page to find destination-specific vaccine recommendations.

[March 10] Prepare for the 2026 Annual Tornado Drill

George Mason University will conduct its Annual Tornado Drill on Tuesday, March 10, at 9:45 a.m. As part of this exercise, a notification will be distributed through Mason Alert by email and text message. This drill gives the university community an opportunity to practice tornado and severe weather response procedures.

Severe weather events, like tornados, present a recurring and potentially significant risk to university operations, personnel, students, and property. In the Northern Virginia region, hazardous weather most frequently occurs between April and October, though it can develop at any time of year. These events can intensify quickly and may require immediate protective action. Preparation ahead of time helps reduce risk, protect life and property, and support continuity of operations.

The purpose of the drill is to reinforce protective actions and strengthen campus-wide readiness. During a tornado warning, individuals should move indoors to the nearest hardened structure, use stairs to reach the lowest level, and avoid elevators. Shelter in an interior space with few or no windows and remain there until the warning has expired. Reviewing these steps in advance supports faster and more confident decision-making during an actual emergency.

The Risk, Safety and Resilience Tornado and Severe Weather Guide provides detailed information about severe weather terminology, including the difference between watches and warnings, as well as response procedures and shelter guidance. The guide also outlines lightning safety protocols, contingency planning considerations, and preparedness recommendations for both campus and home.

To ensure you receive the drill notification, confirm that your Mason Alert preferences are current and that text message alerts are enabled. Mason Alert is the primary method used to communicate urgent weather information as well as other emergency situations to the university community.

Preparedness is a shared responsibility. Your participation in the Annual Tornado Drill helps strengthen our collective readiness and supports a safer campus environment.

Meet the Mason Nation: Gregg Black

Laboratory Safety Awareness Week: Battery Safety

February 9–13 is Lab Safety Awareness Week, a time to highlight our shared commitment to maintaining safe research and teaching laboratories across campus. The week focuses on university laboratory safety initiatives and on preventing lab accidents and incidents through awareness, training, and good safety practices.

This year, Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) is emphasizing battery safety. EHS has created this one-page resource with practical tips for working safely with batteries on campus, as well as an overview of our new Battery Guide. The guide outlines university policies and expectations for working with batteries in both research and teaching spaces and is intended to support safe, consistent battery use across laboratories.

In addition, EHS has recently published a 3D Printing Guide, which applies to all 3D printing activities on campus. These and other safety guides can be found on the EHS website.

We encourage you to review these resources, share them with your research teams and students, and take this opportunity during Lab Safety Awareness Week to reinforce safe laboratory practices.

[February 26] A Heart to Heart about the Mediterranean Diet: Heart-smart eating at work and home

[February 10th and 26th] Complementary Blood Pressure, Cholesterol, & Glucose Screenings

[Ongoing] Well-Body Screenings

Get a quick, non-invasive body composition scan with personalized results, a complimentary blood pressure check, and a consultation with a medical professional. Learn more about your body’s fat, muscle, water balance, and overall health. Limited appointments are available monthly, open to George Mason faculty and staff (including wage, student wage, and adjunct faculty). Download our flyer to learn more.

Upcoming Dates

Note: Due to very high demand, registration will open 14 days in advance of the scheduled date(s) below.

February 3, 2026
February 24, 2026
March 5, 2026
March 17, 2026
April 9, 2026
April 21, 2026
May 5, 2026

Registration

Due to very high demand, registration will open 14 days in advance of the scheduled date(s) above. To register, click here. For questions, please contact Employee Health and Well-Being at [email protected], or by phone 703-993-6001.

RSR Celebrates Healthy Heart Month with Employee Health & Well-Being Events

Join the RSR Employee Health and Well-Being (EHW) this February for several health and well-being events in observance of Healthy Heart Month.

Complementary Blood Pressure, Cholesterol, & Glucose Screenings

Join EHW for complimentary blood pressure, cholesterol, and glucose checks this February (10th or 26th). Registration is required.

Dates: February 10 & 26

Time: 10 to 11:30 a.m.

Location: Population Health Center

Register: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050945AFAD2EA5F85-61771783-healthy#/

Presentation & Q&A: A Heart to Heart about the Mediterranean Diet: Heart-smart eating at work and home

Join EHW this February for a special presentation by Courtney O’Laughlin, George Mason’s campus dietitian. Courtney will present and answer questions on the popular Mediterranean diet as it applies to heart health.

Date: February 26

Time: 1 to 2 p.m.

Location: Population Health Center

Register: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050945AFAD2EA5F85-61830866-aheart#/

Electrical Safety Tips

This June, in recognition of National Safety Month, Risk Safety, and Resilience (RSR) reminds the George Mason community about the importance of electrical safety. By staying informed and practicing safe habits, we can reduce the risk of electrical accidents.

Electrical malfunctions are a leading cause of workplace fires. Common issues like overloaded outlets, damaged power cords, and misuse of extension cords can create hazardous situations. By following a few simple tips, we can help prevent electrical accidents:

General Electrical Safety Tips:

Avoid Overloading Circuits

Plugging multiple appliances into a single outlet can lead to overheating and potential fire.

Electrical Safety Around Water – Hazards and Safety Tips

Operate electric-powered devices in dry conditions

Avoid using electrical devices in wet or damp environments.

Power Major Appliances Safely

Plug major appliances into wall outlets and avoid using extension cords with them.

Perform Regular Inspections

Check cords and outlets for damage and wear. Replace any frayed cords immediately.

Safety Devices

Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) and Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCIs) can prevent electrical fires by shutting off power when a hazard is detected.

Safe Work Practices

De-energize equipment before maintenance and use appropriate personal protective equipment.

Check for Warning Signs

Unusually warm outlets indicate unsafe wiring that needs inspection. Never connect plugs that have broken, bent, or missing prongs.

Working or Studying from Home?

Stay Safe with These Tips:

Unplug appliances when not in use to save energy and minimize the risk of shock and fire.
Make sure cords do not become tripping hazards.
Keep papers and other potential combustibles three feet away from heat sources.

Electrical safety is everyone’s responsibility. Let’s use National Safety Month as a reminder to stay alert and informed. Protect yourself and the George Mason community by staying smart about electricity.

Resources: Electrical Safety Guide

May is Mental Health Awareness Month

Risk, Safety, and Resilience understands the vital role mental health plays in overall well-being and academic and career success. During Mental Health Awareness Month this May, we are shining a spotlight on the wide range of resources available to support our community. We encourage you to explore and take advantage of the programs and services designed to help you thrive both personally, professionally, and academically.

For Students

Counseling and Psychological Services

(caps.gmu.edu)

George Mason’s Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) department offers a wide range of mental health resources, including both in-person and virtual (telehealth) services. Visit CAPS in the Student Union Building 1 (SUB 1), Suite 3129 or call 703-993-2380 for more information.

CAPS collaborates with ProtoCall Services to offer after-hour crisis support to students. When CAPS is closed, students should call 703-993-2390 and press “1” to be connected directly to a ProtoCall crisis counselor.

Services Include:

Individual counseling: Students can engage in therapy to address personal, academic, or emotional challenges.
Group Counseling: CAPS offers group therapy sessions in a supportive environment for students to share and develop coping strategies.
Psychiatric Services: With the help of a board-certified psychiatrist and psychiatric nurse practitioner, students can receive treatment and medication if appropriate.
Referrals: For students needing specialized care beyond CAPS, clinicians can help you connect to community providers.

Student Health Services

(https://shs.gmu.edu/services/mentalhealth/)

Student Health Services (SHS) provides evaluation, screening and referrals for mental health concerns. Call 703-993-2831 to schedule an appointment at your convenience.

Services Include:

SBIRT Program: The Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) program is a universal screening initiative that assesses students for alcohol, drug, tobacco use, and depression. Based on screening results, students receive appropriate counseling, consultation, or referral.
Collaborative Care: Integrates mental health support into primary care settings, allowing for coordinated care that combines medical and psychological services.

TimelyCare

(https://ulife.gmu.edu/timely-care/)

George Mason University has partnered with TimelyCare to provide students with free, 24/7 virtual mental health support. Students can register using their George Mason email address for year-round support.

Services Include:

TalkNow: Immediate emotional support for a wide range of issues including anxiety, depression, relationships, academic stress.
Health Coaching: Support in developing healthy lifestyle habits including nutrition, sleep habits, time management and mindfulness.
Scheduled Counseling: Up to 12 free counseling sessions per year with licensed professionals, allowing students to choose a provider and session time that works for them.
Psychiatry: Access to psychiatric services through referrals by CAPS, Student Health Services, or a TimelyCare counselor.
Self-Care Content: A variety of resources such as yoga, meditation, and group discussions to promote well-being.

For Faculty and Staff

Employee Assistance Program

(https://hr.gmu.edu/benefits/insurance-and-benefits/employee-assistance-programs/)

The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is available to support the well-being of George Mason’s faculty and staff. Employees can access EAP services by contacting the Human Resources department by email [email protected] or 703-993-2600.

Services Include:

Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Includes up to four free sessions for services such as mental health, alcohol or drug abuse assessment, child or elder care, grief counseling and legal or financial services.
Referral Services: For issues requiring specialized care, EAP counselors can provide referrals to appropriate professionals or services.

Support for Anyone

Center for Community Mental Health

(https://ccmh.gmu.edu/)

The Center for Community Mental Health (CCMH) at George Mason University is a multidisciplinary training clinic that provides accessible health services to the Northern Virginia community. They are located off-campus at 9900 Main Street in Fairfax. Email to make an appointment at [email protected] or call 703-993-1370.

Services Include:

Therapy and Psychological Testing: CCMH offers individual and group therapy sessions, as well as psychological assessments.
Emotional Support Line: This free, anonymous, and confidential service provides immediate support for stress, anxiety, depression, grief, and more. This line is available in Spanish and English.

Crisis Resources

Crisis Hotlines

Suicide and Crisis Hotline
Free and confidential support for people in distress
988
Online Crisis Chat
Veterans Crisis Line
800-273-8255
Mason Sexual and Intimate Partner Violence Crisis Line
24-hour crisis support resources
703-380-1434
Crisis Text Line
Serves anyone, in any type of crisis, providing access to free, 24/7 support and information
Text 741-741
Crisis Line
24-hour suicide, crisis, and information and referral hotline
703-527-4077
Non-Emergency Contact
Counseling and Psychological Services
703-993-2380

Student and Support and Advocacy Center
703-993-3686