University of Puerto Rico School of Dental Medicine Relief Fund

On Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2017, the most violent hurricane to hit Puerto Rico in more than 80 years made landfall.

For the 3.4 million U.S. citizens on the island of Puerto Rico, housing, electricity, running water, potable water, medical and hygiene supplies, and adequate food are in short supply. Much of the island remains without power, and many still lack much-needed food and supplies, a dire situation that continues to impact staff, faculty and students at the University of Puerto Rico School of Dental Medicine (UPR SDM).

To provide aid to the school and the people connected to it, the American Dental Education Association (ADEA), in partnership with the ADEAGies Foundation, has established a relief fund that allows ADEA members to provide direct financial aid to UPR SDM by mail or a few short keystrokes. 

100% of your gift supports direct relief and recovery efforts at UPR SDM.

To make a secure, tax-deductible donation online, click the "Make a Gift Today" button above. If you wish to contribute by check, please make it payable to the ADEAGies Foundation:

ADEAGies Foundation

University of Puerto Rico Relief Fund

655 K Street, NW, Suite 800

Washington, DC 20001

What will funds be used for? 

Your financial donations support two primary purposes: (1) to purchase food, water and meals for UPR SDM students, staff and faculty, and (2) to help individuals who have lost their homes, computers, clothing, cars and other items needed for daily life, health and safety.

Are in-kind contributions accepted? Yes!

In-kind donations include, but are not limited to, generators, masks, gloves, battery-operated hand drills, insect repellent, toothpaste, mouthwash, shampoo, battery-operated headlamps, and more. Donated essentials can help students continue their education, provide clinical care to the public, and promote health across the entire population. Please direct inquiries regarding donated supplies to Virginia Bader, ADEA Chief of Staff, at baderv@adea.org or 202-289-7197 who is coordinating with the school on any shipments.

Can I contact UPR SDM directly? 

Given the severity of the challenges facing UPR SDM and the need to focus on students and patients, please direct your questions to ADEA to allow our staff to triage requests and process offers of assistance. For general inquiries, contact Alex Gonzalez, Administrative Assistant, Office of the President and CEO, at gonzaleza@adea.org or 202-513-1192.

Is there any good news? Yes!

ADEA staff has visited the school and reports from the ground show damage to the physical school as widespread but limited, with UPR SDM faculty, staff and students demonstrating strong morale and incredible resilience. While the challenges they face are ongoing and very real, didactic and clinical coursework has resumed and the school anticipates graduating all enrolled students with little or no delay.

In addition, the ADEA Board of Directors authorized a financial donation of $100,000 to UPR SDM and ADEA staff have donated several shipments of personal supplies. The ADEA Corporate Council continues to send clinical supplies and direct financial support. As UPR SDM Dean Ana López-Fuentes, D.M.D., M.P.H. attests, faculty, staff, students and their extended families are receiving the support with great gratitude and "open arms." Listen to her comments here.