In response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene in the southern and mid-Atlantic areas of the United States, AIHA—the association for scientists and professionals committed to preserving and ensuring occupational and environmental health and safety (OEHS)—has donated $5,000 to the American Red Cross in support of relief efforts. 

Since September 26, at least 175 people have died because of the storm, a third of them in North Carolina. With hundreds still missing, the death toll is expected to rise as families and employees search for individuals and struggle to make contact in areas still without power or cell service. Drinking water is also scarce in many areas, with Asheville, NC, receiving its first FEMA shipment on September 30.

“As an organization committed to occupational and environmental health and safety in the workplace and the community, AIHA feels an obligation to support the residents struggling in the affected areas,” said Lawrence D. Sloan, the CEO of AIHA. “Disaster response is a complicated area for worker safety, and front-line workers must be deployed with the appropriate safeguards in place to protect their health.”

AIHA encourages members and partner organizations to donate to organizations administering relief services for people affected by Hurricane Helene. “Donations to organizations like the American Red Cross, United Way, World Central Kitchen, and others can make a huge impact to those suffering,” Sloan said.

Visit AIHA’s Hurricane Response Site to obtain free information on hurricane disaster recovery health and safety.

About AIHA

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.

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