×

News publications and other organizations are encouraged to reuse Direct Relief-published content for free under a Creative Commons License (Attribution-Non-Commercial-No Derivatives 4.0 International), given the republisher complies with the requirements identified below.

When republishing:

  • Include a byline with the reporter’s name and Direct Relief in the following format: "Author Name, Direct Relief." If attribution in that format is not possible, include the following language at the top of the story: "This story was originally published by Direct Relief."
  • If publishing online, please link to the original URL of the story.
  • Maintain any tagline at the bottom of the story.
  • With Direct Relief's permission, news publications can make changes such as localizing the content for a particular area, using a different headline, or shortening story text. To confirm edits are acceptable, please check with Direct Relief by clicking this link.
  • If new content is added to the original story — for example, a comment from a local official — a note with language to the effect of the following must be included: "Additional reporting by [reporter and organization]."
  • If republished stories are shared on social media, Direct Relief appreciates being tagged in the posts:
    • Twitter (@DirectRelief)
    • Facebook (@DirectRelief)
    • Instagram (@DirectRelief)

Republishing Images:

Unless stated otherwise, images shot by Direct Relief may be republished for non-commercial purposes with proper attribution, given the republisher complies with the requirements identified below.

  • Maintain correct caption information.
  • Credit the photographer and Direct Relief in the caption. For example: "First and Last Name / Direct Relief."
  • Do not digitally alter images.

Direct Relief often contracts with freelance photographers who usually, but not always, allow their work to be published by Direct Relief’s media partners. Contact Direct Relief for permission to use images in which Direct Relief is not credited in the caption by clicking here.

Other Requirements:

  • Do not state or imply that donations to any third-party organization support Direct Relief's work.
  • Republishers may not sell Direct Relief's content.
  • Direct Relief's work is prohibited from populating web pages designed to improve rankings on search engines or solely to gain revenue from network-based advertisements.
  • Advance permission is required to translate Direct Relief's stories into a language different from the original language of publication. To inquire, contact us here.
  • If Direct Relief requests a change to or removal of republished Direct Relief content from a site or on-air, the republisher must comply.

For any additional questions about republishing Direct Relief content, please email the team here.

Emergency Update: Helping U.S. Communities Recover in Wake of 2017 Storms

News

Extreme Weather

Storms have torn through a large swath of the U.S. in 2017, with incidents including deadly flooding and devastating tornadoes.

In late April, at least 20 people were killed and dozens were injured as flooding and tornadoes swept through several states, including Texas, Arkansas, Mississippi and Missouri.

In Missouri alone, several hundred people were evacuated and 33 required water rescues after flood waters rose rapidly. In Texas, a tornado swept through the town of Canton, killing four people and injuring at least 56.

Personal care packs, with items like soap and toothbrushes, were sent to SEMO Health Network in New Madrid, Missouri, on May 2. The packs are designed for those displaced by earthquakes, fires, flooding or homelessness, and intended for families of four. Direct Relief  has shipped more than $1.3 million in emergency aid to SEMO since 2011, including during the Joplin tornado that occurred that year. (Bryn Blanks/Direct Relief photo)

Direct Relief has contacted partner healthcare facilities in those communities to see what medicines and supplies are needed to treat patients who may have been injured or displaced by the storms. An emergency health kit was sent to 1st Choice Healthcare in Corning, Arkansas, which has five locations around northeast Arkansas. The area has experienced intense flooding, and the emergency health kit sent contains enough essential medications and supplies to care for 100 patients for up to three days.

In February 2017, six tornadoes tore through Louisiana, leaving trails of devastation that stretched as far as 23 miles across.

Thirty-nine people suffered injuries and nearly 800 homes and more than 40 businesses were damaged or destroyed across five parishes, according to state officials.

The Ninth Ward in New Orleans East, an area devastated by Hurricane Katrina in 2005, was among the hardest hit regions. At least 25 people were injured there and as many as half the area’s buildings were damaged. That includes several homes that were destroyed in Katrina and had since been rebuilt.

Soon after the tornadoes struck, Direct Relief made contact with city officials in New Orleans and health providers throughout the state.

In response to a request from EXCELth Family Health Center in New Orleans, located 1.5 miles from a hard-hit area, Direct Relief sent a hurricane prep pack with enough medicine and medical supplies to treat 100 patients for up to five days. Subsequent shipments have contained another 800 lbs. of requested medicine and hygiene items for people displaced by the storm.

Supplies from Direct Relief arrive at EXCELth in Louisiana (Photo courtesy of EXCELth, Inc.)

Dr. Monir Shalaby, supervising medical director of EXCELth, Inc., described a nearly two-mile-long stretch of homes that had been destroyed. As a result, the clinic saw an influx of patients who had lost their belongings, including their medicine. The tornadoes also damaged the homes of several clinic staff.

“I can’t tell you how much it’s being appreciated,” Shalaby said, speaking of Direct Relief’s assistance.

The tornadoes follow a series of weather-related emergencies in Louisiana, including historic flooding last year that prompted Direct Relief to deploy 139 shipments of emergency medical aid totaling more than $2.89 million (wholesale).

Giving is Good Medicine

You don't have to donate. That's why it's so extraordinary if you do.