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Haiti Needs Our Help Today and Tommorrow It has been two weeks since the tragic earthquake in Haiti. The human suffering is beyond anything most of us can imagine. The response from the University community has been overwhelming and one that has brought us together in the name of humanity. As this crisis continues to unfold it is important to know the Haitian people will need our help for many months and even years to come. The rate of infection is rising; follow-up care with wound dressing changes is critical; rehabilitation will be needed for those with amputations and paralysis; clean water supplies will be essential; shelter for the thousands of homeless will be needed; safe havens for the many orphans must be established, infrastructure needs are tremendous; and the list goes on. As I have witnessed first-hand while on a medical mission trip to Haiti, the Haitians are a kind and loving people who have endured untold misery for decades. The level of devastation this country has been stricken with has been magnified to reach the hearts of many worldwide. The people of Haiti need our help now and will need it long after the relief missions are complete. Dr. Katy Close has introduced a number of School of Medicine faculty and students to Haiti and Hospital Albert Schweitzer (HAS) in recent years. It may be time for us to consider an expanded relationship with HAS which has become a lifeline for thousands of Haitians in need. Your commitment to the people of Haiti both now and in the coming months and years is greatly appreciated. Let’s be prepared to help them now and in the future. Please stay involved and help Haiti recover, rebuild—stronger, better. Regards, Richard Hoppmann, MD For more information about Dr. Katy Close, class of 1988, and her past and current efforts in Haiti, read her daily blog Ways to Give
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