By Maeve O’Connor
Over the past seven days, Direct Relief has delivered 289 shipments of medical aid requested in 33 US states and territories and nine countries around the world, including Ukraine.
The shipments contained 7.6 million defined daily doses of drugs, including PPE, Covid-19 therapies, diabetes drugs and cancer treatments.
UKRAINE’S RESPONSE TO DATE
Since February 24, Direct Relief has provided medical aid weighing over 350 tons and including more than 68 million defined doses of medicine, with more on the way.
This week, Direct Relief awarded a $750,000 emergency grant to the Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM), whose members work in several hospitals in Ukraine. The funds provided will be used to purchase the drugs and equipment that these facilities need most. In total, Direct Relief has deployed more than $12 million in financial assistance for Ukraine’s response since the start of the war.
Additionally, a fifth field hospital kit left Direct Relief’s warehouse this week for distribution to the front lines of the war in Ukraine. The kit, donated by the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services, contains 50 beds, wound and IV kits and critical trauma care supplies.
EMERGENCY RESPONSE
This week the Calf Canyon/Hermit Peak Fire burned over 160,000 acres in New Mexico. In response, Direct Relief dispatched an emergency delivery of air purifiers, N95 masks and personal care products requested by Tewa Women United. Tewa Women United, an Indigenous women-led organization and recipient of a grant from Direct Relief’s Fund for Health Equity, is affected by wildfires threatening the area.
IN THE NEWS
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Governor’s Office – Gavin Newsom – California continues to send vital support to Ukraine:“In addition, OES has facilitated the transfer of PPE and five field medical posts to cities in Ukraine, and is in the process of sending two more to Ukraine in partnership with Direct Relief of Santa Barbara, for a total seven field medical posts (350 beds).
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The New York Times – Carnegie Hall will host a concert in support of Ukraine: “Carnegie Hall announced on Tuesday that it will hold a concert in support of Ukraine later this month, to show solidarity with the people of Ukraine, voice opposition to the Russian invasion and raise relief funds...* Carnegie said the proceeds will go to Direct Relief, a humanitarian aid group that supports relief efforts in Ukraine.
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Bungie – Guardian Games Cup: “The Guardian Games Cup will be another amazing charity initiative with the Bungie Foundation. We are once again partnering with Direct Relief to raise funds for charity. Direct Relief is a humanitarian relief organization, active in the United States and around more than 80 countries, whose mission is to improve the health and lives of people affected by poverty or emergencies – without regard to politics, religion or ability to pay.
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Knowledge of microgrids – A solar microgrid is changing the lives of Puerto Ricans struggling with electricity and water: “To help bring water to these communities, Por los Nuestros has started deploying the solar micro-grids with backup diesel power. The largest system has 26 KW of solar power, with 75 kWh of batteries and 40 kW backup generators Solar microgrids can isolate themselves from the grid, says Rodríguez Hernández… The nonprofit acquired the microgrid equipment with funding from its donors – Direct Relief , a US-based NGO, and AbbVie, a pharmaceutical company.
GLOBAL
This week, outside of the United States, Direct Relief shipped more than 7.3 million defined daily doses of drugs.
Countries that have received medical aid in the past week include:
- Ukraine
- Sri Lanka
- India
- Guyana
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Honduras
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Dominican Republic
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Guatemala
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Morocco
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Ecuador
UNITED STATES
Direct relief delivered 270 shipments containing 360,048 doses of medicine over the past week to organizations including:
- Community Action Corporation of South Texas Alice Health Center, Texas
- Christ Clinic, Texas
- LaSante Health Center, New York
- Health Access, Inc., West Virginia
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The Floating Hospital, New York
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Cactus Health Services, Inc., Texas
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Unity Health in Main, SC
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Dream Centers Women’s Clinic, Colorado
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WATCH Healthcare Program, North Carolina
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Free clinic in Rome, Georgia
YEAR TO DATE
Since January 1, 2022, Direct Relief has delivered 6,508 shipments for 1,445 health establishments in 51 US states and territories and 73 countries.
These shipments contained** 196.9 million defined daily doses of drugs valued at $715.9 million (wholesale) and weighing 7.7 million pounds.
