Abstract
On March 11, 2011 a devastating magnitude 9.0 earthquake hit near the northeastern coast of Japan. Minutes after the earthquake, tsunami waves struck the coast resulting in the loss of thousands of lives and massive destruction. Millions of people have been displaced, and the damage to the transportation and utilities infrastructure of the region, along with radiation concerns due to the damage to nuclear power plants will impact the Japanese for years to come. When such life changing events occur, clean water, food, and a basic sense of security are no longer taken for granted. We respond individually by staying informed, by donating to relief organizations, by praying, or in some cases by giving our time or by donating blood. The internet provides easy ways to make online donations to relief organizations and to stay informed (eg: www.google.com/crisisresponse/japanquake2011.html or http://news.yahoo.com/s/yblog_newsroom/20110311/wl_yblog_newsroom/japan-earthquake-and-tsunami-how-to-help). The only other thing we can do is to tell you that we care. On behalf of the members of ACVP and ECVP, we would like to extend our sincere sorrow and encouragement to our colleagues in Japan. We also express our concern for any of our members who reside either in or outside of Japan who have friends and families that have been affected by this tragedy.