Direct Relief Partners with the U.S. Free and Charitable Clinics for Hurricane Response

A woman paddles through subdivision covered by the floodwaters near Beaumont, Texas, in September, 2017. (Lara Cooper/Direct Relief)
By Tony Morain

As part of the ongoing efforts to support communities affected by Hurricanes Harvey and Irma, Direct Relief and the National Association of Free & Charitable Clinics (NAFC) announce over $1.8 million in grants to Free and Charitable Clinics in Texas and Florida.

“Recovery from major disasters continues long after the headlines disappear,” said Damon Taugher, Director of U.S. Programs for Direct Relief. “With the start of the 2018 hurricane season just days away, many communities are still healing from 2017’s devastating storms. Direct Relief’s hope with this latest round of funding is that Free and Charitable Clinics will not only be able to repair and recover from past emergencies but become more resilient to disasters in the future.”

These grants are distributed through the Hurricane Community Health Fund, which was set up by Direct Relief in the aftermath of the hurricanes to be used solely for the benefit of hurricane-affected communities and people – particularly those who have low incomes, lack insurance, and are among the most vulnerable residents.

“The NAFC is proud to partner with Direct Relief to provide much-needed funds to Free and Charitable Clinics that were and continue to be impacted by the devastating effects of Hurricanes Harvey and Irma,” said Nicole Lamoureux, NAFC President & CEO. “In communities throughout the country, Free and Charitable Clinics are among the first health care responders, both in everyday life as well as in the face of disasters. This funding will assist member organizations as they continue to rebuild, recover lost supplies and medication and most importantly allow them to continue and expand providing care to their patients and communities, many of whom are still dealing with the aftermath of these storms.”

Grants from the Hurricane Community Health Fund are being distributed to Free and Charitable Clinics to support continued recovery efforts, to recoup expenses and/or reinforce emergency preparedness efforts related to the hurricanes which will allow for the continuity of crucial life-saving care to those most vulnerable in their communities.

The grants, ranging from $23,000 to $150,000 for a total of over $1.8 million, will be distributed to the following 20 Free and Charitable Clinics in Texas and Florida:

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