WFU stands with those impacted by humanitarian crises

Wake Forest grieves for all those impacted by the evolving humanitarian crises in Haiti and Afghanistan. The devastation and immeasurable loss wrought by both the August 14 earthquake and Tropical Storm Grace in Haiti and the violence and suffering in Afghanistan are difficult to comprehend.

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to our neighbors across the globe who are suffering from significant humanitarian crises right now,” said Wake Forest President Susan R. Wente. “In Haiti, people who were already facing challenges are now dealing with the devastation and loss brought about by natural disasters. In Afghanistan, violence and political strife have left the nation in great turmoil.

“As fellow human beings, we watch these events transpire with heavy hearts, and as global citizens, we share in the sadness and fear that we are seeing unfold even as we hope for eventual restoration, healing and peace.”

Wake Forest offers its support to faculty, staff and students who may need need personal support because of these crises: 

• The University Counseling Center and Office of the Chaplain are available to listen to students who need to speak with someone here. The Counseling Center provides crisis assistance for urgent mental health needs 24 hours a day at 336.758.5273.
• The Emergency Assistance Program is available to faculty and staff for assessment, referral and follow-up services.

Those who may need help to contact family and friends in Haiti or Afghanistan may seek support through the US State Department or the relevant embassies:

Haiti

US Embassy in Port-au-Prince 
Email: acspap@state.gov
Emergency telephone numbers:
011-509-2229-8000
011-509-2229-8122 (after hours)

Afghanistan

US Embassy in Kabul
Email: KabulACS@state.gov
Emergency telephone numbers:
011-93-700-114-000 
011-93-700-108-000 (after hours)

Faculty, staff and students interested in organizing support should contact the Office of Civic and Community Engagement.