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Hurricane Katrina Relief Information |
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Interim Dean's Message
With more than a week since the destruction caused by Hurricane Katrina, I am still in awe of the unfolding disaster and unimaginable public health threats in our Gulf Coast states. The daunting tasks of rescue, recovery and rebuilding still lie before us and have moved so many to ask what can we do? The recurring theme from most federal and charitable relief organizations is to resist the urge to travel to affected areas until a coordinated relief plan can be implemented. At this time, financial contributions are the most beneficial way to make a difference. You can take direct action by donating to a variety of relief agencies. Yale University has also instituted a Matching Gift Program for contributions up to $100.00 made by Yale employees and students. As a school, we stand in collective sympathy and support for the students and faculty of Tulane, Loyola and Louisiana State University , as well as the family, friends and greater communities of the affected regions. We have joined with the Association of Schools of Public Health (ASPH) to provide a centralized assistance program for public health students displaced October 25, 2005 a description of options for enrollment at all cooperating schools, and has created the Tulane Emergency Student Placement Program. From Tulane, we have admitted one DrPH student in International Health, and two MPH students, who have arrived and are settling in. We are currently working with four additional Tulane MPH students to enroll them here as visiting students for the fall semester. Students from affected regions who are interested in registering, or have further questions, should contact our Admissions Office at 203-785-2844. The Yale School of Public Health is also addressing the possibility of hosting faculty and researchers. Many of our alumni, faculty, students and staff are generously offering support and temporary lodging for some students, faculty, and staff. For additional information about what you can do to help, please visit the Yale University's Response to Hurricane Katrina Web site. I have asked Heidi Richard in the Dean's Office (203-785-3349) to serve as our contact person and to coordinate information and logistics related to all Hurricane Katrina support activities at EPH. I urge you to contact her with any questions. Our faculty with expertise in infectious diseases and disaster preparedness have organized an Open Forum Discussion on health risks and the public health response to natural disasters which took place on September 8, 2005. A second event is also being planned. One of our alumni, as a federal employee member of the Department of Health and Human Services Ready Reserve Team, is being deployed to the Gulf Coast region to assist with geriatric patients. One of our lab personnel has been asked to travel to the affected area, when it becomes possible, to provide assistance with the Rural Area Veterinary Services, through the Humane Society of the United States. We remain connected to the larger public health communities through communications with ASPH, APHA and CDC. Professional volunteers from many disciplines will soon be mobilized. There will be many opportunities in the short and long term future for us to play an important role. The Yale School of Public Health community will continue to engage in every way possible to aid our local, state, national and federal agencies in relief efforts to address the public health needs of the area. Dean Leaderer |
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