ETSU Response
Haiti Earthquake Response and Relief Efforts
A 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck Haiti on Saturday, August 14th, resulting in the deaths of at least 1,419 people and injuries to more than 7,000.
In addition to the damage and destruction, tropical depression Grace is now moving towards the island which encompasses Haiti and the Dominican Republic.
Hospital staff in Haiti have reported that they are inundated with victims, and desperately in need of medical supplies. Humanitarian aid is being sought.
Here are some ideas for how to help
- UNICEF is working with the government and humanitarian aid groups to help vulnerable children and families. Medical kits to support 30,000 people have already been delivered to the Les Cayes port and medical, health and sanitation supplies are on the way. Donate here to help support that effort.
- Donate to Project HOPE, a nonprofit that is sending out an emergency response team to help the country.
- Hope for Haiti has a stockpile of emergency kits ready to distribute to individuals and families. The organization consists of Haitian doctors, nurses and program managers. Donations can be made through Hope for Haiti’s website. The nonprofit is also accepting cryptocurrency donations.
- Save the Children is accepting donations to continue their work with children and families in Haiti and help distribute aid.
- World Vision has pre-prepared supplies to provide immediate humanitarian aid to 6,000 people. Donate here.
- The United Way and the Miami Herald/El Nuevo Herald have activated Operation Helping Hands to help victims of the Haiti earthquake. Donate through their website or call 800-226-3320.
How to avoid charity scams
- Avoid unfamiliar agencies and websites. According to Charity Navigator, several domain names were taken that led people to “donation” pages just hours after the 2010 earthquake, that in reality, were a scam.
- Beware of phone calls and emails soliciting donations.
- Do your research to determine if organizations are legitimate. Charity Navigator lists reputable organizations. Great Nonprofits and Give Well has reviews of nonprofit groups and can help you see how much of your money goes directly to relief.
ETSU Support Services
The ETSU community provides support services for students, faculty, and staff who may have been affected by this disaster.
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. 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