The ASH leadership would like to express their heartfelt sympathies to their colleagues in the Gulf Coast region whose lives have been affected by Hurricane Katrina. It is our goal to provide needed assistance to enable hematologists to continue to treat patients, conduct research, and further their education in the field of hematology while rebuilding their lives and careers.

In support of the Society’s mission to promote research, clinical care, education, and training in hematology, ASH is offering a relief package to hematologists with homes or offices in the areas that were devastated by Hurricane Katrina. This program was designed with input from affected members as well as the ASH Trainee Council. We realize that many hematology trainees have suffered immensely from the disruption in certain training programs, and much of the ASH Assistance Program is targeted to trainees.

Eligibility
Hematologists and trainees in hematology (both members and non-members) whose homes or offices were located in specific ZIP codes are eligible for some or all of the benefits listed below (see application form for specific eligibility information).

Based on the information available to us, we have designated the following ZIP codes as being in the affected region. If your ZIP code begins with any of the following three digits, you are eligible for aid. If your home or office was located outside of these ZIP codes, but you are in need of assistance related to Hurricane Katrina, please include a letter of explanation with your application.

Benefits
Currently, ASH is offering several types of assistance to affected hematologists. You may be eligible for some or all of the following:

• Waived membership dues through December 2006
• Free ASH educational materials to replace those that were damaged or lost
• Free registration, complimentary housing, and travel grants to attend the 2005 ASH Annual Meeting in Atlanta, GA
• Assistance for trainees who need to replace textbooks and/or other materials needed to conduct their research
• Waived fees and enhancements to the ASH Job Bank to help displaced hematologists find jobs
• A listserv for displaced trainees

Application
The first step toward receiving these benefits is to register for the ASH Assistance Program. Registering will help us to assess the greatest areas of need and to ensure that you will be kept informed of all current and future benefits for which you may be eligible. The form will take only a few minutes to complete. We urge you to take the time to complete it now so that we can provide assistance as quickly as possible.

While we will consider all requests for aid that we receive, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible. An ASH staff member will be in touch with you shortly after receiving your form with further information and instructions. Our goal is to provide aid as rapidly as possible.

Download the ASH Assistance Program Registration Form (Microsoft Word format)

Please return the completed form to:

• E-mail: ash@hematology.org
• Fax: 202-776-0545
• Mail: ASH, 1900 M St. NW, Suite 200, Washington, DC, 20036, ATTN: Katrina Relief Program
  

• Annual Meeting Update
• Letter from Dr. James N. George, ASH President
• Annual Meeting Relocation FAQ
• Message for affected ASH members
• Volunteer opportunities
• Resources for patients in the Gulf Coast region