(EMAILWIRE.COM, January 21, 2010 ) Tallahassee—Today the Florida Medical Association (FMA) Foundation launched its “Help For Haiti” appeal to provide an outlet for physicians, their families and staff members who would like to donate their time, talents and resources to the earthquake victims of Haiti.

“Florida’s close proximity to Haiti makes it an appropriate staging ground for the medical relief Haiti so desperately needs,” said FMA Vice President and FMA Foundation President Vincent DeGennaro, MD. “Florida’s physicians and medical community have shown a tremendous desire to help the victims of the earthquake, and the “Help for Haiti” site will allow the FMA to organize our resources in the most effective way possible.”

Dr. DeGennaro has already travelled to Haiti to assess the country’s immediate and long-term medical needs and determine how to utilize Florida’s physicians and members of the medical community most efficiently. Several members of the FMA’s Board have long provided medical assistance in Haiti, giving them valuable experience in the country’s operations and logistics.

“We know that Haiti has critical, immediate needs,” noted Dr. DeGennaro. “But we also want to ensure that Haitians have the medical assistance they will require in weeks, months, and even years down the road, and the FMA will continue to serve as a clearinghouse for information on how physicians and others can help.”

FMA’s website now directs visitors to the FMA Foundation’s “Help for Haiti” section, allowing them to make a donation or volunteer. Physicians and volunteers who are interested in traveling to Haiti to provide medical assistance can fill out an electronic information form. The website also provides a form for physicians to donate medical supplies. Dr. DeGennaro will connect volunteers and donations with appropriate relief opportunities.

“We are grateful for the insights of Dr. DeGennaro, who travels to Haiti annually on medical missions,” said James B. Dolan, MD, FMA President. “His expertise will be a great resource for the FMA family as we do our part to support the earthquake victims.”

“Help for Haiti” contains a number of other resources, including guidance for relief workers, information about local relief initiatives, and assessments of the public health risks. Since many FMA members are already participating in outreach to Haiti, the FMA has also created a section for those physicians to share their personal stories.

“Under the leadership of Dr. DeGennaro, Florida’s medical community will be better equipped to provide assistance to the victims in Haiti,” concluded Dr. Dolan. “While we are devastated by the heartbreaking conditions on the ground in one of our neighboring countries, Floridians should be proud of the physicians and other volunteers from across our state who are providing assistance to Haiti in one of its greatest times of need.”

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Contact Information:
Florida Medical Association (FMA) Founda
Erin VanSickle
Tel: (850) 339-3184
Email us


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