Penn's Response to the Earthquake in Haiti

Message from the President

January 25, 2010
Like the rest of the world, the Penn community has been deeply saddened and moved to action by the massive destruction and human suffering caused by the earthquake in Haiti. In response to the tragedy, the students, faculty and staff at Penn have mobilized to provide crucial medical aid to victims of the crisis, raise funds to help with the recovery and offer support to those affected by the disaster.

Penn Medicine has taken an important role in the care of the critically injured, working with the medical relief agency Partners In Health. On January 25, a medical team of nine surgeons, anaesthesiologists, nurses and technicians from the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania flew to Haiti to aid in the recovery, carrying with them desperately needed medical supplies. Five days after the earthquake, teams from HUP and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia were the first in the nation to treat earthquake victims airlifted to the United States from Port Au Prince. Penn Medicine will continue to send medical supplies to the PIH hospital facilities in Haiti as the recovery effort moves forward, and is encouraging its doctors, nurses and other medical professionals to volunteer through Partners in Health for future medical missions to assist the injured.

Students quickly arranged a benefit concert that raised $3,300 for the relief effort, and continue to collect food, clothes, and other much needed supplies. Additionally, campus organizations are providing much needed support and counseling for those personally touched by the crisis.

The University encourages members of the Penn community to give generously to relief organizations, and to take an active role in the long-term restructuring efforts.

Please keep those who have been affected by this catastrophe and those who are assisting them in your thoughts and prayers.
 

Dr. Amy Gutmann
Penn President

Experts Source Sheet for Journalists

The attached source sheet lists Penn experts who are available to provide insight and expert commentary on the disaster, economic aid, social networking during times of crisis and tectonic forces, among other topics.