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Pitt Pride: Fighting the Pandemic Together

Buildings behind a row of yellow flowers
With the COVID-19 pandemic creating a unique set of needs for institutions of all kinds, the University of Pittsburgh has established several ways for all members of the Pitt community to help advance vital medical research, support students in need and participate in important service activities.

The Pitt Pandemic Service Initiative connects students, faculty and staff with volunteer opportunities, drives, collections and partnerships aimed at responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Three new emergency assistance funds are also now available through Pitt’s Division of Philanthropic & Alumni Engagement:

COVID-19 Vaccine Research

Pitt researchers—including those in the Center for Vaccine Research—are leading a global race to produce a vaccine for the virus. By contributing to the COVID-19 Vaccine Research fund, donors will help to develop a potential vaccine, which could save countless lives.

Student Emergency Assistance Fund

The new Student Emergency Assistance Fund offers direct and immediate relief to Pitt students who are experiencing hardship in areas like housing, transportation, medical, child care or technology expenses. Contributions to this fund will help current students make ends meet during this difficult time.

Health Sciences COVID-19 Response Fund

Pitt researchers are developing models to track the virus, studying the effectiveness of social distancing measures, evaluating how long the virus hangs on surfaces and more. By contributing to the Health Sciences COVID-19 Response Fund, Pitt researchers will get support to advance understanding of the coronavirus in numerous and essential ways.

“In this unprecedented time, it’s reassuring to remember that we are all part of the University of Pittsburgh’s strong, caring and capable community,” wrote Chancellor Patrick Gallagher in a message to Pitt alumni. “It’s also clear that our community’s work—including developing potential vaccines, treating patients on the front lines and helping the helpers—has never been more vital.”

How You Can Help

  • Make a Gift. All COVID-19 response funds require financial support to meet the needs of University students, faculty, staff and researchers. Gifts of any size make a big impact.
  • Do Your Part. Practice social distancing, wash your hands, and stay at home as much as possible. Until a vaccine is discovered, these are the best ways we can protect each other and ourselves.
  • Be a Good Neighbor. Reach out to your family, friends, classmates and neighbors to let them know you are here to support them, even though it’s from a distance. We may be apart, but that doesn’t mean we can’t stay connected.
  • Celebrate the Heroes. To add some good news to your day, check out (and contribute to) the growing collection of Pitt COVID-19 Heroes stories.
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