DURHAM, N.C. - To: Duke Students, Faculty and Staff

From: Richard H. Brodhead, President, Duke University, & Victor J. Dzau, MD, Chancellor for Health Affairs, CEO DUHS

Subject: Haiti Earthquake Disaster

As the devastation in Haiti has become even more apparent, the entire Duke community has joined together in concern and support. At this time, we believe that no Duke University or Health System faculty, students or staff were in Haiti at the time of the earthquake, though we do know that many members of our community have personal and professional relationships with individuals who have been directly, and tragically, affected. Our thoughts and prayers go out to them.

The international response to this disaster has been encouraging and inspiring, as has the immediate action on the part of the Duke community. Since news of the earthquake was first reported, a number of departments, student organizations and experts have come together to develop Duke's comprehensive response and to coordinate the many programs and services that can offer assistance to Haiti. Over the next several days, more information about these efforts will be communicated to the Duke community, along with guidance on opportunities to participate and a website that will track the ongoing activities.

We know that the assistance required in this situation will certainly span many months and, most likely, years. However, many of you have asked what we can do now to contribute to the rescue and relief effort. At this point, we recommend the following:

For those employees and students who are interested in potentially volunteering for service in Haiti, the best option would be to go to ServNC.org to register for the Duke University Hospital State Medical Assistance Team (SMAT). Should the federal government decide that emergency assistance from North Carolina is needed to address this situation, the Duke SMAT would be considered as one of the volunteer "assets" that could be mobilized to go to Haiti. This would certainly be the volunteer option that would offer the highest degree of security and organization. Volunteers under the SMAT program are compensated and receive liability insurance.

For those of you who have an interest in volunteering -- either through ServNC.org, or perhaps through a community organization or church -- we urge you to consult the Duke Human Resources policies on leave.

Students should consult with their appropriate course directors and academic deans before making commitments to volunteer.

For those who would like to make a monetary contribution to the relief efforts being mobilized for Haiti, we suggest you consult the resources available at:

http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2010/01/14/president-haiti-first-waves-our-rescue-and-relief-workers-are-ground-and-work

http://civicengagement.duke.edu/main/opportunities/2010/01/13/how-can-you-help-earthquake-hits-port-au-prince-haiti

We all need to be aware of the unfortunate fact that there are those out there who will try to turn a disaster like this into personal gain. Be careful of telephone and email solicitations from organizations that are seeking financial support.

Time and again, the Duke community has shown a generosity and true concern for others that is distinctive, and indeed unique. Now we ask you to support the people of Haiti as they rebuild their country and to look for ways in which Duke can make a difference in the lives of people who have lost so much.