In Latest Wave of Support for Puerto Rico, Direct Relief Commits $5 Million in Grants to Health Centers and Clinics

Equipped with an Emergency Medical Backpack, medical staff from Costa Salud Community Health Center, located in Rincon, Puerto Rico, continue to provide critical medical services to hurricane-affected communities in Rincon and surrounding areas. (Photo courtesy of Costa Salud)

By Staff

November 20, 2017

Direct Relief announced on Monday a commitment of up to $5 million in cash grants to assist health facilities in Puerto Rico as they continue to address ongoing health needs following Hurricane Maria.

Today’s commitment follows more than 126 shipments of emergency medical aid, totaling $29.7 million, from Direct Relief to health centers, clinics, hospitals, and medical teams throughout Puerto Rico.

A charter plane filled with 76 tons of medicines and medical supplies is unloaded in San Juan on Oct. 27, 2017. On Monday, Direct Relief committed an additional $5 million in cash to community health centers. (Tony Morain/Direct Relief)

Direct Relief is coordinating its response in Puerto Rico with the Asociación de Salud Primaria de Puerto Rico, National Association of Community Health Centers, National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics, National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters, as well as local public health officials.

Concurrent to its work in Puerto Rico, Direct Relief continues to support hurricane-affected communities throughout the U.S. and the Caribbean.

In the aftermath of Hurricanes Harvey and Irma, Direct Relief has provided more than $39 million in medical aid to health facilities throughout Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Haiti, St. Marten, Turks and Caicos, and the United States.