Each of Connecticut’s 16 community health centers is now equipped with a Direct Relief Medical Pack, which were distributed earlier this month during an emergency planning meeting at the Community Health Center Association of Connecticut. This makes Connecticut the first state to have all health centers equipped with the relief packs.

The packs will assist health workers and responders in their emergency preparedness and response capabilities and will also be used for street outreach and health fairs.

Modeled after Direct Relief’s Medical Reserve Corps packs, these specially designed backpacks contain supplies and equipment to meet a variety of disaster-related health needs, including infection control, diagnostics, trauma care, and personal protection tools.

The ability to go to where the patient is located and provide care is a unique and essential service of health centers and clinics that is critical both in emergencies as well as routine health care.

Each pack is valued at approximately $500. To support Direct Relief’s emergency preparedness and response initiatives, click here.