Senator (and doctor) Frist reports via newsletter that he is headed to India to try and help:

Now, the victims face “the disaster after the disaster” — the risk of death from cholera, malaria, typhoid, diarrhea, and dysentery on an epidemic scale. The lack of potable water and water-borne illnesses will be the major killer. The tragedy will grow daily.

My position in the Senate allows me to see the bold responses of so many. Yesterday, I spent most of the day on the phone — with my friend Carl Lindner whose son is putting together medical and relief supplies on a 747 chartered to India early next week. With Franklin Graham and my friends from Samaritan’s Purse who are in the field right now with assessments and who are investing heavily especially in rural areas that so frequently escape the attention of government relief efforts. With Condi Rice and our U.S. officials. With the ambassadors and leaders of the countries affected whom I have called to express our sympathy and support. With Fred Smith, whose Fed Ex is supplying transport. …

America must be the moral force. The United States is the most generous and caring nation on earth. And President Bush yesterday pledged the steadfast support of our government. As majority leader in the Senate, I pledge the full support of the Senate. The magnitude of this human tragedy may well define us in the years to come. The world has seen in recent years how tough the U.S. can be — now they must see how magnanimous and caring we are as a nation. And we also must act as a people — to show how much we Americans care about the world and our fellow human beings who hurt and are in need of hope. Now is the time for us to act. No one can sit on the sidelines.

First, consider making a donation — even if you can only afford a few dollars. USAID has a very informative site up about the disaster and how you can help. Here’s the link – http://www.usaid.gov/locations/asia_near_east/tsunami/ — and another link to the list of relief organizations working in the area — http://www.usaid.gov/locations/asia_near_east/tsunami/ngolist.html. You can also click on www.amazon.com to make a direct donation to the Red Cross. So far, as I write this, Amazon has collected more than $4 million from nearly 70,000 people! My personal recommendations based on my discussions with people on the ground there include World Vision, Samaritan’s Purse, Catholic Relief Services, and International Rescue Committee. For more information about how to help those in need, visit the State Department’s website at www.State.Gov.