The following are safety and well-being resources for members of the HMS community:

Safety Resources

  • If you are concerned for your safety, call the Harvard University Police Department at 617-432-1212 (Longwood) or 617-495-1212 (Cambridge/Allston). The HUPD takes hate crimes seriously, and any acts or threats of violence, harassment, or intimidation can be reported directly to the department.
  • Harvard’s anonymous hotline is available 24/7 to report a range of concerns, including harassment and other threats to personal safety and well-being. Operated by an independent, third-party provider, the hotline is accessible 24/7 by calling 877-694-2275 or by submitting a report online.
  • The HMS Security and Campus Safety team offers both walking and taxi escort services. Walking escort services are available 24 hours a day by calling 617-432-1379 at least 15 minutes ahead of your departure time. A security officer will escort you anywhere on campus or to the nearest MBTA stop. Taxi escort services are available daily from 9 p.m. to 3 a.m. from the NRB security desk at 77 Avenue Louis Pasteur. This service is free to a single destination within a one-mile radius for up to four people. Click on the link above for further details.
  • Blue light emergency phones are available at 41 locations throughout the Longwood and Cambridge campuses. When you push the button on any of these call boxes, you will be connected directly to HUPD dispatch.
  • Harvard University IT offers resources for protecting against and reporting online abuse and harassment, including cyberbullying, doxxing, and trolling. Specifically, this toolkit provides detailed guidance.
  • The Office of the General Counsel offers guidance for law enforcement requests for access to documents and nonpublic spaces.

Well-being Resources

  • CAMHS Cares (617-495-2042) provides a 24/7 mental health support line for students.
  • TimelyCare provides virtual health and well-being services for students.
  • Harvard's We're All Human website provides well-being and mental health resources for all students, faculty, staff, postdocs, and fellows.
  • Harvard’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is available to all Harvard employees and their adult household members. You can reach the EAP at 877-EAP-HARV (877-327-4278).
  • Harvard's Work/Life Programs and Resources are available to all Harvard employees.
  • The Countway Cuddles pet therapy program is offered by the Countway Library as a way to combat burnout, stress, and anxiety. Campus members can visit the website to see the therapy pet family and view the calendar for upcoming pet-therapy sessions.
  • Harvard Chaplains represent many of the world’s religious, spiritual, and ethical traditions, and share a collective commitment to serving the spiritual needs of all Harvard community members.
  • Harvard Ombuds Office, Longwood serves all staff, trainees, faculty, and students and can help address issues affecting work or studies, including bias in its many forms. The Ombuds Office is independent by design and provides highly confidential, impartial, and informal support for clarifying concerns, identifying goals, and considering all options for managing or resolving issues.

Rights & Responsibilities

  • The University-wide Statement on Rights and Responsibilities defines the rights and duties we share as an academic community, ensuring that Harvard’s dual commitment to free expression and mutual respect is honored, regardless of the specific subjects of debate and disagreement.
  • HMS created and adopted a Statement of Mutual Respect and Public Discourse in September 2020. The statement references our mission and community values, which imply certain rights and responsibilities for all who attend and participate in HMS events, gatherings, and demonstrations held publicly, privately, or virtually. Importantly, the webpage includes a downloadable “Rules of the Road” slide that is available for community use.