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In response to the December 26 tsunamis that struck the nations surrounding the Indian Ocean, BWH experts have been called upon to coordinate domestic relief efforts and others are headed overseas to directly assist with humanitarian aid. Each play a key role in helping to deal with the devastation resulting from an earthquake and violent tsunamis that have taken thousands of lives and destroyed the landscape and livelihood of this region of the world.
Last week, Emergency Medicine’s Chief of the Division of International Health and Humanitarian Programs Michael Van Rooyen, MD, MPH, FACEP, shared his expertise with representatives of the Sri Lankan Association of New England (SLANE), who are working to mobilize funds and other resources to aid their native communities. He advised them on preparation/ organization for natural disasters at a meeting in Canton last week. Those interested in making contributions to the local SLANE effort can do so by making checks payable to SLANE Tsunami Relief Fund and mailing them to Sri Lanka Association of New England, P.O. Box 442, North Chelmsford, MA 01863-0442.
One of VanRooyen’s Emergency Medicine colleagues, Hilarie Cranmer, MD, MPH, FACEP, departed for Indo-nesia this week when called upon by the International Rescue Committee to provide and evaluate medical relief for victims of this tragedy. “Although the demand for resources is vast, we are fortunate to be able to exercise our expertise in large scale humanitarian disasters to provide the best possible help to the many victims of this horrible disaster,” said Cranmer, who also completed the Brigham and Women’s International Emergency Medicine Fellowship.
The United States Government has released $350 million worth of aid to this relief effort to date. Volunteer opportunities or other means of contributing to the tsunami relief efforts can be found by visiting www.usafreedomcorps.gov