Haiti hurricane relief

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

Hurricane Matthew has had a devastating impact on Haiti. Reports indicate that the most severe damage has occurred in the western portion of the southern peninsula, resulting in hundreds of deaths and as many as a million people facing life threatening consequences.

Aerial view of Baradères after Hurricane Matthew.
Aerial view of Baradères after Hurricane Matthew.

The UF College of Public Health and Health Professions and the Emerging Pathogens Institute have a long history of research and service activities in Haiti, including immediate and long-term public health efforts following the quake of 2010. Currently, we have important clinical research facilities in the Gressier area on the southern peninsula, as well as a satellite laboratory in the town of Baradères, located close to the western end of the southern peninsula. The Baradères community has sustained horrendous damage from the hurricane.

Two major problems now confront the community. The first is the need for clean water, food and shelter. The second is the prevention and control of deadly infectious diseases, particularly cholera. There are several ways in which we are working to address these concerns and to provide assistance to Haiti at this difficult time:

  • Expansion of our ongoing programs for cholera control in Haiti, building on our existing laboratory and research infrastructure;
  • Participation in efforts underway through national programs such as Volunteering for Haiti’s Development; and
  • Provision of direct emergency assistance to the Baradères community, working through our community partners, the Little Sisters of Saint Therese, who manage and staff the local clinic in Baradères.

We need your help. Please consider making a donation to support these efforts.

Contributions can be made through the PHHP Haiti Fund in the UF Foundation. Contributions are also being accepted through a CrowdRise fund; funds contributed through this link will go directly to support of UF community partners in Baradères.

We thank you for your help at this critical time.

Sincerely,

 

Michael G. Perri, PhD, ABPP                         J. Glenn Morris, MD, MPH&TM

Dean, College of Public Health                       Director, Emerging Pathogens Institute

and Health Professions