Hurricane Katrina Continuing Update, Sept. 16

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — As hurricane relief efforts continue in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama, the University of Arkansas joins the communities of Northwest Arkansas to help people affected by the hurricane and the agencies that serve the region's needs. This release continues to be updated as new developments warrant.

Relief Efforts:

Volunteers are needed from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily for unloading relief supplies at the old Mexican Original plant on Huntsville Road in Fayetteville. The plant is being used as a staging area for Katrina relief supplies. More information.

The City of Fayetteville is also accepting donations to assist residents in Bogalusa, La., and surrounding communities in Washington Parish. Because of the parish's rural location, these smaller communities are not receiving the immediate aid and assistance that other larger more metropolitan areas are experiencing.  Communication is still difficult in many of these communities, and they are having trouble locating and accessing the resources they need. See a complete list of needed items.

The UA School of Social Work has created several programs to support persons directly affected by the hurricane and other members of the community who are working to assist these persons. Specific services include a support group, training for secondary trauma, field internships and counseling. Read more about the services.

A series of collection stations can be found in Mullins Library. The stations, which are used to collect various goods and provisions needed by evacuees, is sponsored by the Office of Student Involvement and Leadership and go to assist the Victory Family Worship Center in Springdale. Additional drop off locations include: Arkansas Union, Music Building, Baptist College Ministry, Chi Omega House and the Collegiate Discipleship Ministries. To contact the Victory Family Worship Center, please call (479) 751-7926.

The University of Arkansas has teamed up with the Northwest Arkansas Chapter of the American Red Cross to raise funds in support of the residents in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama affected by the storm. Patrons of UA athletic events have been asked to provide monetary donations that will go toward relief efforts for hurricane victims living in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama.

A series of collection stations were posted at the Razorback's first two football games and at the Arkansas Lady'Backs' 2005 C&C Services Invitational volleyball tournament. To date, UA patrons have donated  $35,096 to help victims affected by Katrina.

Last week, the Facilities Management Department also posted collection stations throughout its offices to assist the American Red Cross fund drive and its relief efforts. After three days, the department collected $1,380 in donations.

To contact the Northwest Arkansas Chapter of the American Red Cross, please call (479) 442-4291. To contact the Fayetteville Salvation Army, please call (479) 521-2151.

On Sept. 8, Louisiana Governor Kathleen Babineaux Blanco announced the creation of a 24/7 national toll free number -- (877) HELPLA1 or (877) 435-7521 -- to reach the Louisiana Disaster Recovery Foundation, a non-profit foundation established to accept donations that will be used to meet the immediate and long term needs of the thousands of Louisiana citizens whose lives have been devastated by Hurricane Katrina. Read more about the foundation.

On Sept. 9, staff and students from the Bumpers College distributed nearly three tons of tree-ripened apples to hurricane evacuees. The apples were taken from the university's research orchard and delivered by staff, students, Master Gardener volunteers and others. For more information, go to http://www.uark.edu/depts/agripub/Publications/Agnews/agnews05-52.html

The Office of Student Involvement and Leadership and the Associated Student Government are currently organizing events to assist those affected by Hurricane Katrina. The dean of students within the Division of Student Affairs will continue to be available to assist students. For more information on services offered, please call (479) 575-5007 or visit the Student Affairs Web site at http://studentaffairs.uark.edu/.

As part of a statewide effort to assist college students affected by the devastating storm, the university joined its fellow UA System institutions and other colleges and universities from around the state in extending free or reduced tuition and fees to students currently enrolled in universities and colleges in the New Orleans area for the fall 2005 semester.

Dawn Medley, director of admissions, reported that, as of Tuesday, Sept. 13, the university had enrolled 66 students.

Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Bob Smith announced Friday that the university is receiving inquiries from displaced faculty at affected institutions and will work with inquirers to place them in contact with deans who can match them to available opportunities.

Faculty members affected by Hurricane Katrina can contact either Provost Smith or Vice Provost for Academic Affairs Nancy Talbert at (479) 575-2151.

Counseling:

The university encourages members of the campus community directly affected by Hurricane Katrina to seek assistance at Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS). The CAPS team works with members of the university to solve emotional and psychological problems and to cope with situations that can be traumatic.

CAPS office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Please contact the offices at (479) 575-2277 or visit the Web site at http://www.uark.edu/depts/healinfo/CAPS/index.shtml.

The UA School of Social Work has created several programs to support persons directly affected by the hurricane and other members of the community who are working to assist these persons, including a support group and counseling. Read more about the services.

Media Inquiries:

For general inquiries, members of the media are directed to the contact below. A list of professors with expertise related to hurricanes and the aftermath of rebuilding can be found off of the U of A homepage.