Direct Relief announced today that it will commit $500,000 to support health efforts in Ukraine and surrounding countries absorbing refugees fleeing violence and disruption. The organization is also in communication with regional organizations to coordinate medical support for refugee communities. Emergency Health Kits and medical backpacks for triage care are being offered up to health providers in the region, and the organization is making available its inventory of medical aid, and has humanitarian channels in Europe for further response.
The organization has shipped $26 million in medical aid to Ukraine over the past six months, with the most recent cache of support arriving last week containing $5.4 million in medical aid for a Ukrainian NGO that serves hospitals, ambulance stations and medical centers. The most recent shipment included mental health and cardiovascular medications, IV fluids, and more.
Direct Relief, which has staff in Europe, has been in communication with the U.N., multiple Ministries of Health, as well as local NGOs to support medical needs as they become known. Health concerns during this time include medical needs for thousands of people that have been internally displaced within Ukraine, particularly in the eastern portion of the country, and many others that have fled into refugee camps that have been established in the neighboring countries of Moldova, Poland, and others.
“ Direct Relief was created out of the ashes of WWII by Europeans who fled,” said Thomas Tighe, Direct Relief CEO and President. “It’s stunning and sad that humanitarian assistance is needed again in the same neighborhood, but it’s definitely consistent with our organization’s roots, initial focus, and longstanding mission.”
Direct Relief will continue to respond.
In the News
LA Times: Want to help Ukraine? These California organizations need your support
“The Santa Barbara-based organization distributes donated medicine and medical supplies. Direct Relief has supplied Ukrainian healthcare providers with more than $27 million in medical aid. It recently sent a large shipment of diabetes supplies and is offering its Ukrainian partners IV fluids, antibiotics, medications for anesthesia, sutures, and cardiovascular medication, among others.“
Charity Navigator: Humanitarian Response to the Ukrainian-Russian Conflict
“Charity Navigator presents this list of highly-rated nonprofits engaged in relief and recovery efforts in Ukraine and the surrounding region.”
Relief Web: Direct Relief Continuing Support to Ukraine as Crisis Escalates
“In response to the unfolding crisis in Ukraine, Direct Relief has extended offers of humanitarian support to several healthcare organizations in the country.”
The Gamer: Destiny 2’s Game2Give Proceeds Will Go To Helping Ukraine
“If you don’t know, Direct Relief is a charity that supports healthcare in Ukraine and, with Russia’s invasion, it has been raising funds to help provide IV fluids, antibiotics, and other medication. It has been specifically helping with the unfolding crisis as more Ukrainian citizens are caught up in the invasion and left severely injured.”
YEAR TO DATE
Since January 1, 2022, Direct Relief has delivered 2,757 shipments to 1,046 healthcare organizations in 50 U.S. states and territories and 54 countries.
These shipments contained 43.1 M defined daily doses of medication valued at $258.9M (wholesale) and weighing 4 M lbs.
