"On behalf of the Haitian people, and as a SPH Biostatistics student, I'd like to send a heartfelt thanks to the [School], the SPH Student Government, and to the University community in general for their tremendous response to the earthquake in Haiti. Undoubtedly, this is by far the worst catastrophic event we have ever experienced. ... Even in this darkest hour of our history, I want you to know that we are grateful for your humanity, and that we still feel lucky to be the object of such an outpouring of support. I am one of those who believe that our best days lie ahead. Thanks again for everything!"

 

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"Right now, relief workers in Haiti are still assessing the situation. They don't even know what they need yet, and when they do, they will be supplied through their home organizations. The very best way to help right now is to send monetary donations to an NGO or faith-based organization that already has people working in Haiti. There are a number of groups and volunteers still there helping them recover from the 2008 hurricane season."

"People are anxious to help, but spontaneous volunteers are not what is needed now. It is far too early in the response process. Remember, there will be plenty of work to do in the long-term recovery efforts, even a year or more from now. We are still taking volunteers to Mississippi to help people recover from Katrina. And as psychologically challenging as it was to see the damage from Katrina, I believe that this may be much, much worse."