APA, Foundation Assist Puerto Rico District Branch
APA President Anita Everett, M.D., and APA CEO and Medical Director Saul Levin, M.D., M.P.A., in a September 26 email to the APA leadership said assistance is available to the Puerto Rico Psychiatric Society through APA’s Erich Lindemann Disaster Support Grant and the APA Foundation’s Disaster Relief Fund. In addition, APA’s Board of Trustees has granted dues relief to APA members living in Puerto Rico (see box on page 8).
The APA Foundation’s fund was set up to provide services to those impacted by major disasters. Members are urged to visit the Foundation’s Disaster Relief page. Additionally, Everett and Levin recommend the following organizations and resources for members who want to help:
United for Puerto Rico: This organization, spearheaded by the Puerto Rican First Lady Beatriz Areizaga, details how individuals or companies can donate emergency and construction supplies, including bottled water, hand sanitizer, formula, extension cords, tarps, and safety glasses.
The One American Appeal: This organization, spearheaded by the five living former U.S. presidents (Jimmy Carter, George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama), has been expanded to include recovery efforts in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Save the Children Hurricane Maria Relief Fund
Everett and Levin said that most organizations are asking for cash rather than supplies, so they can quickly route money exactly where it’s needed. The National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters is coordinating individual and corporate donations. ■
