Direct Relief has committed up to $100,000 in cash and is drawing upon its standing medical material inventory of $57 million (wholesale) to respond to medical needs following the 8.8-magnitude earthquake in Chile.

Through its partner the Education Foundation for Economic and Social Development (FEDES) in Chile, Direct Relief is providing medical aid to the General Hospital of Curicó, which collapsed in the earthquake. The hospital, which is located in the heavily affected region of Maule, has established temporary facilities in a nearby school and in a tent hospital. The hospital has requested a variety of materials, including surgical instruments, medical supplies, and personal hygiene items for displaced families.

FedEx, a strong supporter of Direct Relief’s emergency response work, is airlifting the critically needed aid to Chile free of charge.

Direct Relief is also sourcing needed materials from medical product donors to support partners providing medical care for the thousands of people affected by the earthquake. Dedicated corporate supporters Abbott, BD, Procter & Gamble, and Covidien, which have operations in Chile, have offered to donate products for the relief effort directly from their local warehouses. Eli Lilly has also committed $25,000 in support of the earthquake response.