We wanted to share with you some information about how our FIU is helping Florida and the Caribbean recover from hurricanes Irma and Maria and provide an update on our on-going efforts to be of service to our FIU family and the broader communities we serve. In these times of hardship, our Panther family remains #FIUStrong.
FIU has been engaged in the recovery in a number of ways. So far, we have sheltered and provided medical care for more than 500 Monroe County evacuees, including those with special needs. Our medical disaster response team — comprised of paramedics, physicians, and nurses — helped support Jackson South Community Hospital and West Kendall Baptist Hospital, as both dealt with the post-hurricane surge in emergency room patients. And we not only helped with physical health – FIU music students lifted evacuees’ sprits through a live performance while our alumnae immediately jumped into action and spearheaded local food drives.
Panthers get it done; but there is still much to do. The devastation in the Caribbean becomes clearer each day and the challenges they now face are monumental. As Miami’s anchor institution and a member of the global community, FIU’s Interdisciplinary Disaster Task Force is coordinating university efforts to assist with the recovery.
While this remains a daunting task, our engagement can make a difference for so many there whose lives have been changed, perhaps forever. As President Mark B. Rosenberg said, “The FIU community does not ask for a lighter load but for broader shoulders.”
Panthers make a difference!
Our alumni have assisted by helping in shelters, setting up food drives and much more. In addition, many have asked how they can have an immediate impact by offering financial assistance to members of the university community who are affected. Therefore, last week, the FIU Foundation established the Disaster Response and Recovery Fund. One hundred percent of the money raised through this fund will give direct assistance to our students, faculty and staff whose families may find themselves in financial distress because of the storms.
Please consider making a donation to help ensure that our students from these effected areas stay in school and continue to progress toward their degrees.
Together we rise. #FIUStrong