Our colleagues at the West Virginia State Medical Association (WVSMA) have asked for our help in meeting the needs of those affected by the devastating floods that hit their state last week. The WVSMA, through its West Virginia Medical Foundation (WVMF), has established a special disaster relief fund to collect donations to support the ongoing relief efforts throughout the state. The WVMF is a 501 C(3) not-for-profit charitable foundation under IRS law.
The flooding in central and southeastern West Virginia is historic.  The recovery for thousands of West Virginians and dozens of counties and towns across this state is going to be a long, difficult process that requires a multitude of needs. Many of these needs can be anticipated, such as vaccines, first aid supplies, flashlights, batteries, and cleaning supplies and equipment.  However, there will be just as many needs that are not anticipated or will not be fulfilled by governmental agencies or local organizations in the affected communities.  These can include but are not limited to crisis intervention, mental health services, housing, water, food, clothing and other such services.
The WVMF Disaster Relief Fund will enable both local and state medical societies from around the nation, as well as pharmaceutical and medical device corporations and other strategic partners from within and outside the state, to make donations that can be utilized to provide basic medical relief efforts and to fill the gaps unexpectedly discovered in the recovery effort.
All donations to the WVMF Disaster Relief Fund will be tax deductible, and all donations will be used to support flood relief efforts as approved by the WVMF Board of Directors. Checks should be made payable to the:
West Virginia Medical Foundation
Attn: Karen Foy
4307 MacCorkle Ave., SE
Charleston, WV 25304
Please write “WVMF Disaster Relief Fund” on your check. If you would like to make a donation by credit card, please call the WVSMA offices at 304-925-0342.
The WVSMA President, Paula Taylor, MD, and Coy Flowers, MD, the chair of the WVMF Disaster Relief Fund, say thank you in advance for your generosity and compassion!