Eduardo J. Padrón
President
Office of the President
300 N.E. Second Avenue
Miami, Florida 33132-2297
305-237-3316
epadron@mdc.edu
Message From the President
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Collegewide collection for Haiti
Miami Dade College has been working quickly to respond to the need for help in Haiti. Our Emergency Preparedness Team has consulted with various humanitarian and governmental agencies to determine the best course of action at this time.
Our sources indicate that the island’s most immediate need is for monetary donations so relief agencies are able to purchase the supplies that are most needed. Therefore, the College has designated a special account to raise money for those affected by the earthquake in Haiti. Starting tomorrow, Student Life offices at each campus will accept cash donations and checks. Checks should be made payable to Miami Dade College and should include "Haiti" in the memo line. If you prefer to pay by credit card, please visit your Campus Bursar’s Office. The Bursar’s Office will also accept checks.
The College will also collect first-aid supplies to support medical teams strategically placed to respond to Haiti's most pressing needs. Acceptable items include gauze, bandages, surgical tape, peroxide, alcohol wipes, blankets and towels.
Campus Student Life locations are as follows:
- Hialeah Campus - Student Life, Room 1118
- Homestead Campus - Student Life, Buildings A&B, First Floor
- InterAmerican Campus - Student Life, Room 1106
- Kendall Campus - Student Life, Room 100
- Medical Center Campus - Student Life, Room 1171
- North Campus - Student Life, Room 4208
- West Campus - Student Life, Room 1115
- Wolfson Campus - Student Life, Room 2101
The College has also compiled a list of resources to help our colleagues and students who have been affected by recent events in Haiti.
Family Unification
We are aware that many members of our community are concerned about the whereabouts of family members and friends. The International Committee of the Red Cross has launched a Family Links Web site aimed at helping to restore contact with loved ones. For more information, please visit http://www.icrc.org/familylinks.
Crisis and Grief Counseling Resources
The Switchboard of Miami Inc. and Miami-Dade County Public Schools Mental Health and Crisis Management Services have opened their lines to anyone in need of confidential counseling as a result of the situation in Haiti. Please call 305-358-4357 (Switchboard of Miami) or 305-995-2273 (Mental Health and Crisis Management Services).
In this time of uncertainty and tragedy, I hope we can come together as a College to offer generous support to our local Haitian community and our neighbors across the ocean. Please be especially sensitive to the needs of our Haitian colleagues and students during this trying time and refer them to the above resources as appropriate.
We will keep you apprised of our relief efforts throughout the coming days.
Thank you.
Eduardo