On January 21st, Hattiesburg Mississippi was hit by a deadly tornado that devastated William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine (WCUCOM), site of the newest chapter of the Gold Humanism Honor Society. With damage to about 90% of the buildings on campus, medical students have had to move to classrooms in neighboring communities.
The impoverished community that surrounds the university has suffered greatly in the days since the tornado. Many residents lost their homes and cars in the tornado and have been in need of food, comfort, and refuge.
In keeping with the values of the Gold Humanism Honor Society, the founding students of WCUCOM’s chapter immediately set out to help – working with others in the community to prepare over 1,400 meals delivered to those in need. The chaos and damage from this tornado will surround them for the remainder of their time in medical school. The people and institutions of Hattiesburg, including its medical community, face a long, slow period of rebuilding.
We are proud and grateful that our GHHS students at WCUCOM are determined to help the area survive.
The Society is establishing a GHHS Disaster Relief Fund to help the chapter at WCUCOM continue its efforts at community re-building. Our goal is to raise $5,000 from the GHHS membership. Donations can be made:
- On our website (make sure to put GHHS Disaster Relief in the dedication box)
- By mailing a check (write GHHS Disaster Relief on the memo line) to us at 619 E. Palisade Avenue | Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07632