Message From The NASA Administrator: Stay Connected, Stay Healthy, Reach Out

Stay Connected, Stay Healthy, Reach Out

 

Through the difficult times brought on by the coronavirus pandemic, we have held strong together to keep the mission moving forward, and I couldn’t be prouder to lead such an incredible workforce. Thank you for doing your part to protect yourself and your colleagues from the virus and persevere.

 

As we enter the holiday season, it’s more important now than ever that we do what we can to protect ourselves from the mental and emotional impacts of the virus and the challenges and changes brought with it. NASA employees have used 33% less annual leave this year due to the pandemic. Using your available leave to address your mental health or to attend to the mental or emotion needs of your family is entirely appropriate. Please talk with your supervisor about scheduling any use of annual leave.

 

We also need to stay better connected to each other. Reach out if you need help. Reach out if you think someone close to you needs help. NASA’s Employee Assistance Program provides voluntary, confidential, short-term, and free mental health and wellness support to employees. Please don’t hesitate to seek help through these tough times. We all need help in different ways and at different times.

 

Our workforce is the agency’s greatest asset. On an individual level, they are our colleagues and our friends. Be there for each other and take care of yourself. 

 

Ad astra,

Jim