Emory community responds quickly to Haiti tragedy

On Friday, January 15, Emory students volunteered at MedShare International, an Atlanta-based nonprofit organization, to pack medical supplies for shipment to Haiti. Faculty, staff and alumni from across Emory also we part of the volunteer contingent.

Hundreds of volunteers from across Emory are pitching in to help with the Haiti relief effort, from sorting and packing medical supplies at the Atlanta-based nonprofit MedShare International to signing up as French or Creole translators for potential refugees.

“I am grateful for the level of concern expressed by our community and encourage your continued prayers and support for our neighbors in Haiti,” President Jim Wagner said in a letter to the campus community last week. Wagner’s office has set up a web page, “Compassion for Haiti,” with news and ongoing updates on the University’s ongoing involvement.

The Office of Critical Event Preparedness and Response (CEPAR) is serving as Emory’s central clearinghouse for volunteers. Those who would like to join a response activity, including alumni who take part in relief activities in their hometowns, are asked to e-mail CEPAR.

“The outpouring of support has been enormously heartening,” said Alex Isakov, CEPAR executive director. “It is our hope to add value to Emory’s collective activities by ensuring that helpful connections are made and everyone’s awareness is heightened.”

School of Medicine students involved in Emory Medishare, a branch of the national nonprofit organization Project Medishare for Haiti, will be heading to Haiti in April. Meanwhile, the group is planning a fund-raiser in Atlanta on January 29 to benefit the earthquake victims.—Carol Clark

A original version of this story appeared in the January 25 edition of Emory Report and is used with permission.