To the George Washington University Community:
As you know, a tragic situation is unfolding in Haiti following a devastating earthquake. Insofar as we can determine at this time, no George Washington students or employees were in Haiti when the earthquake occurred, but members of our university community do have family and friends there. Our thoughts and prayers are with them and their loved ones. If you are among those who are personally affected, you may wish to contact the University Counseling Center at (202) 994-5300 or http://gwired.gwu.edu/counsel/ for support.
Many of you are asking how you can help. The U.S. Department of State and humanitarian organizations are advising that monetary donations are the best way to provide aid at this time. A current list of donation options is posted online at http://www.interaction.org/crisis-list/earthquake-haiti or text "HAITI" to 90999 to automatically donate $10 to the Red Cross. As additional needs are identified, the university stands ready to help and will distribute information on how to participate as it becomes available.
Meanwhile, several emergency physicians from our Medical Center have already been deployed as part of the Fairfax County International Urban Search & Rescue team, and other George Washington physicians have volunteered through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to participate as needed. We are grateful to them all and are committed to doing whatever we can to support the relief and recovery efforts in the very difficult days to come.
Sincerely,
Steven Knapp
President