Posted: 3/4/2010
Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing (JHUSON) assistant professor Elizabeth “Beth” Sloand, PhD, CRNP, has coordinated two more teams of Hopkins nurses to travel to grief-stricken Haiti where relief efforts continue in the wake of a devastating earthquake.
The first group, composed of Hopkins nursing faculty, graduate students, and alumni, is scheduled to leave Friday for two weeks; the second deployment could leave as early as March 12. Faculty slated to go with the first team include Joyce Vazzano, MS, RN, CRNP, and Phyllis Mason, MS, RN, CANP. Others on the JHUSON team include graduate students Jennifer Stagl and Rachel Klimmek, alumnus Tom Bernadzikowski, Hopkins PNP Michelle Felix, and two other non-Hopkins RNs — Nora Hellman and Alexandra Bambrick.
Assistant professor Kathleen Becker is slated for the March 12 deployment.
“We must keep the health and nursing needs of the Haitian population in the public eye,” Sloand says. “We know that there will be major work to do in supporting the rebuilding of the country; it will include strong coordination of Haitian and global partners. We will support those efforts through our awareness campaign and spreading the word as well as volunteering on the ground when the opportunities arise.”
Meanwhile, relief efforts for Haiti continue at the JHUSON. Students, faculty, and staff have worked together to raise more than $2,000 in bake sales, “Hearts for Haiti,” and portfolio sales. Events, including a silent auction and clothing swap, will continue throughout March. “It’s important to keep the momentum going,” Sloand says. “The effects of the earthquake will last for months, even years and every little bit helps.”
For all the latest information on JHUSON’s participation in Haiti relief efforts, visit Sloand’s blog or follow @jhunursing on Twitter.