ASCLS's Board of Directors and staff would like to express our sympathy and concern for all of the victims of Katrina and especially the members of the laboratory community and their families. There are two levels of help that are needed - immediate, personal relief such as food, water, shelter, supplies, etc. and help with the rebuilding of laboratories and education programs. It will take months before rebuilding will begin and therefore months before we know what our colleagues need in the way of help.

In the interim, people need immediate relief and ASCLS is asking members to consider donating to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund or the charity of your choice. Please donate carefully, as noted in this press release.

ASCLS colleagues and friends are saddened by the destruction caused by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. We estimate about 400 members have been affected by these natural disasters. In order to help "our own," ASCLS has established a Relief Fund to help alleviate some of the suffering of our Gulf Coast and Texas members.

While ASCLS is not in a financial position to offer large or unlimited funds, we can lift one burden from your shoulders; all members living in the affected areas will receive a one year free membership renewal. And we hope, through the generosity of our members, your colleagues, to offer some monetary assistance to those who wish this help. The size of the awards will be dependent on the contributions we receive. If you wish to donate to the ASCLS Disaster Relief fund, please mail your check to:

For those of you wishing to apply for aid, click here to download the application. This form is intentionally brief, so that you can devote the time you need to recovery.

We wish you the best. Please know that the thoughts of your colleagues are with you.

To help with the rebuilding in the months to come ASCLS has established a message center so that individuals can post their messages of sympathy and offers of help and our colleagues in the disaster area can post their needs for help. That center can be found at

http://www.bulletinboards.com/cftree.cfm?comcode=mbristol&ViewType=C&UseNoFrame=yes&xx=x

The Department of Health and Human Services has established a website (https://volunteer.hhs.gov) and toll-free number (1-866-KAT MEDI) to help identify health care professionals and relief personnel to assist in Hurricane Katrina relief efforts. Click here for additional information.

A help line has been established for clinical laboratories impacted by the effects of Hurricane Katrina. Clinical laboratories who are having trouble obtaining supplies or reagents, meeting critical staffing needs, transporting specimen, or communicating with their state or local public health laboratory can contact the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Click here for more information and the toll free contact number.

For a list of Clinical Laboratory Education Programs that are offering assistance for students and/or faculty, click here.