In Aftermath of Türkiye-Syria Earthquake, AIHA Supports Relief Efforts, Urges Donation
FALLS CHURCH, VA. (Feb 10, 2023)–In response to the devastation caused by the earthquake in Türkiye and Syria, AIHA has donated $5,000 to support UNICEF’s ongoing relief efforts in the two countries. AIHA is also compiling the contact information of industrial hygiene organizations and professionals that relief organizations can communicate with for advice and assistance.
On the morning of February 6, 2023, a major earthquake rocked southern Türkiye and northern Syria, causing buildings to collapse on people as they slept and plunging the region into crisis. As of February 10, 22,000 people had been reported killed and many thousands more injured. Relief organizations in Türkiye and Syria emphasize that donations are urgently needed to bring food, water, relief items, and other supplies to affected areas.
“As an organization aiming to create a safer world, AIHA is proud to assist our colleagues in Türkiye and Syria,” said Lawrence D. Sloan, the CEO of AIHA.
AIHA encourages members and partner organizations to make donations to organizations administering relief services for people affected by these earthquakes. Sloan stresses that “donations to organizations like the International Rescue Committee, UNICEF, Turkish Philanthropy Funds, and others can make a lifesaving difference to the people on the ground.”
Donations in kind can be made by mail or through in-person drop-off. The website of the Embassy of Türkiye in Washington, DC, provides a list of items being specifically requested for donation, as well as addresses for preferred drop-off locations.
AIHA is the association for scientists and professionals committed to preserving and ensuring occupational and environmental health and safety in the workplace and community. Founded in 1939, we support our members with expertise, networks, comprehensive education programs, and other products and services that help them maintain the highest professional and competency standards. More than half of AIHA's nearly 8,500 members are Certified Industrial Hygienists, and many hold other professional designations. AIHA serves as a resource for those employed across the public and private sectors, as well as to the communities in which they work.