ETSU Response
Help for Ukraine
On Thursday, February 24, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a military operation in Ukraine. This is a growing crisis, and there have been reports of explosions, gunfire, and a loss of lives. Ukraine is now under a state of emergency.
The Dean of Students office is reaching out to students from the region to offer support and assistance. The community may want to consider the following ways to assist.
Ways to help
- Doctors Without Borders is an independent organization that provides medical care where it is needed. They currently have a team in Ukraine assisting residents in obtaining and accessing health care. They are also training local health care professional to provide the best medical treatment.
- The International Committee of the Red Crossis working to support efforts in Ukraine.
- Nova Ukraine is a non-profit based in Palo Alto, California. Their aim is to raise awareness about the crisis in Ukraine, and provide humanitarian aid to those in need. You can learn more, and donate to this cause by clicking the link above.
- United Help Ukraine works to help those on the frontlines to protect Ukraine, along with their families. They accept monetary donations to assist in their efforts.
- UNICEF, or the United Nations Children’s Fund, is a UN agency that oversees humanitarian and developmental aid to children around the world. They are currently working to provide safe water and other basic needs to children and their families in Ukraine.
- International Medical Corpsis on the front lines and prepared to help citizens with emergency health care services, as well as mental health and psychosocial support.
How to avoid charity scams
- Check out any organization seeking donations through the Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance, the Charity Navigator, Charity Watch, or Guidestar.
- Ask questions on how and who will benefit from your donation. Resist pressure to give on the spot.
- If you are asked for a donation through text or email, contact the charity or nonprofit directly to verify the request.
- If you give through an app or website, ask if it is going directly to the organization.
- Don't assume a social media or blog recommendation has been approved by the nonprofit.
- Avoid giving cash.
- Always try to get a receipt for your donations and ask if it is tax deductible.
- If a paid fundraiser asks you for a donation, ask how much is kept by the fundraiser and how much goes to the nonprofit.
ETSU Support Services
The ETSU community provides support services for students, faculty, and staff who may be impacted. The ETSU Dean of Students office is reaching out to offer support and assistance to students who have homes in the region.
The ETSU Counseling Center provides personal counseling for students, as well as outreach and referrals. Students may access the ETSU Counseling Center at (423) 439-3333. The Counseling Center is open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday and is located on the 3rd floor of the DP Culp Center. Telehealth/Zoom services are also available. The Bucs Press 2 service is available 24/7/365 by dialing (423) 439-4841 and pressing 2 to speak to a counselor.
Student veterans who may have questions or need support are welcome to reach out to the ETSU Veteran’s Affairs office.
The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a resource for faculty and staff who need counseling support and referral to other resources.
Student Organization Efforts
Leadership and Civic Engagement, housed within the Ronald and Edith J. Carrier Center, is serving as a clearinghouse for student response efforts. For more information, you may contact serve@etsu.edu