Following the eruption of the Fuego Volcano in Guatemala in early February, the CEO of God’s Child Project, Patrick Atkinson, shared a message of thanks to all who support Direct Relief’s emergency response and preparedness initiatives that enabled their team to quickly respond to health needs.

“We could not have gone to a pharmacy fast enough to buy supplies to distribute them to those people as quickly as we were able to access the Direct Relief disaster kit and get them in the hands of the people here who needed them,” he said in the message.

Atkinson is referring to the Emergency Preparedness Module pre-positioned on site in June. The modules are filled with versatile materials such as antibiotics, syringes, basic first aid supplies, and medications that can save lives during various types of emergencies. He said the particulate masks in the module were distributed to firemen, military personnel, and ambulance workers who helped with response.

Direct Relief is preparing an air shipment of essential medicines to help people still affected by the volcanic ash. Scheduled to leave next week, it will contain more masks, eye drops, medicine for upper respiratory infections, hygiene items, and basic first aid supplies.

To support Direct Relief’s emergency preparedness and response programs that enable people in need to receive care immediately after a disaster like this one, click here.

Related post: Responding to Medical Needs After Volcano Erupts in Guatemala