Message from President David J. Ramsay
The unfolding tragedy in Haiti deeply impacts our UMB community. We have a number of Haitian colleagues working with our global HIV/AIDS program in Haiti who remain missing. Likewise members of our family on campus have loved ones whose fate remains unknown. We have no knowledge of any UMB students or faculty who were in Haiti and harmed.
The U.S. government’s Disaster Medical Assistance programs have already reached out to UMB and UM hospitals and we are responding with the spirit and resolve that have been the hallmark of this institution throughout its history. Many of you want to help in tangible ways and there will be opportunities, in the days and weeks ahead.
It is likely that particular technical skills will be needed and we will do all we can to support those of you who are willing to volunteer your time and talent to help out on the ground. Those coordinating relief services on behalf of the government of Haiti, including the U.S. government, have asked for time to assess the situation and craft a coordinated response that will make the most efficient and effective use of logistic resources as possible.
Many of you have already donated funds to the various relief organizations helping on the ground. This is the biggest need at this time. Collections of food, clothing and formula may be important in the future but, right now, the clear and consistent request is for financial, not material, support. A list of such organizations can be found on this page.
For those of you who will be working on the ground in Haiti know that you have the full support of this University. I am deeply grateful for the concern the entire campus community has demonstrated for the people of Haiti and ask that you continue to hold them in your thoughts and prayers.
At times like these we are reminded of the fragility of the threads that bind us to life but also of the strength of those that bind us to each other, here on campus and across the globe.
David J. Ramsay, DM, DPhil
President
University of Maryland, Baltimore
News photo licensed from the Associated Press.
