As the Kilauea Volcano disrupts life on Hawaii’s Big Island, Direct Relief medical shipments continue to arrive at local health centers.

Respiratory supplies and other medications were shipped this week to Bay Clinic, a health center on the Big Island with sites across the eastern and southern portions of the region.

Bay Clinic staff contacted Direct Relief earlier this week, requesting respiratory supplies, including N-95 masks, to combat the health effects of volcanic smog entering the air.

Ash and particulates in the air can exacerbate breathing problems, and N-95 masks can help protect people exposed to poor air. Children, older adults and those with weakened immune systems are at higher risk for breathing issues caused by compromised air quality.

Direct Relief shipped masks for distribution to the health center, which treats more than 20,000 patients a year.

Since Kilauea began erupting, Direct Relief has worked with Bay Clinic staff to ship other requested medical items, including nebulizer solution for asthma treatment, eye wash, and other supplies to equip staff as they treat patients.