A local Sudanese American pediatrician is asking the community he serves to donate to children in the middle of war in his home country.

A pediatrician a UF Health Jacksonville who is also the former director of the Duval County Health Department sent an open letter Friday about his concern that potential impact reopening schools too soon could have on children and their parents. There will be spread of disease secondary to the school opening. Some children will be infected and hospitalized. Deaths will most likely occur due to school reopening, Dr. Jeffrey Goldhagen wrote. Refresh this story throughout the afternoon and watch News4Jax beginning at 4 p.m. for updates.