Dartmouth community stands with Haiti

Dartmouth College president—and PIH co-founder—Dr. Jim Yong Kim has rallied the Dartmouth community to come to Haiti’s aid. And in just a short time, the college’s response has been phenomenal.

Two teams of medical professionals from Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center—along with $125,000 worth of donated medical supplies—quickly departed to work in PIH clinics in Hinche and Port-au-Prince. "The second team has much more of a nursing focus which will complement the skills of the first team we sent down on Saturday," said DHMC executive medical director John Butterly, who’s working to coordinate relief efforts. "The needs are both growing and constantly evolving and we are trying to adjust the teams and supplies accordingly to meet those needs."

And less than nine days after the earthquake, the Students at Dartmouth for Haiti Relief (SDHR) have raised more than $100,000 for Haiti—quickly meeting their initial goal of $100,000 and well on their way to their new goal of $125,000. Dartmouth is also leading PIH’s national collegiate fundraising challenge.

SDHR, which has formed partnerships with Dartmouth Medical School, the Tuck School of Business, and the Thayer School of Engineering, among others, was started by Dartmouth undergrads Frances Vernon, Maura Cass, and Alexandra Schindler. The group has organized 300 volunteers into different committees, which encompass everything from long-term education to organizing an Uplift Haiti Dinner and a benefit concert.

“Our mobilization was fast and our community rallied behind us with support,” says Cass. “But at the end of the day this isn't about Dartmouth. We've shared our model for organization with colleges around the country and we will continue to be involved with this so that our mobilization is just the beginning of the national effort.”

How you can get involved and learn more:

• Read more about SDHR.
• Watch a video on the group’s successful fundraising model.
• Keep up with Dartmouth’s efforts in Haiti.
• Read a letter from Dr. Kim to the Dartmouth community.
• Check out photos from Dartmouth’s Haiti response.