Tropical Storm Idalia has become the ninth named storm to form in the Atlantic this season and is currently forecast to move into the Gulf of Mexico, where warm waters will most likely strengthen the storm into a major hurricane before making landfall on Florida’s Gulf Coast early Wednesday morning, August 30, 2023. Evacuations were ordered Monday in multiple counties, including Hillsborough, which includes parts of Tampa.

With high winds, extreme flooding, and power outages likely for Florida’s west coast, Direct Relief has pre-positioned 13 hurricane preparedness modules, each containing enough medical supplies to treat 100 patients for conditions ranging from basic trauma injuries to chronic illnesses for a 72-hour period. The caches have been placed in secure locations near vulnerable areas across Florida, four of which are located within Hurricane Idalia’s current projected path. Direct Relief also maintains a medical inventory, valued at more than $300 million wholesale, available for emergency response efforts.

Following major storms like Idalia, widespread damage to residences and health facilities often leaves thousands homeless and at risk. Direct Relief works closely with local healthcare facilities in the U.S. and other affected countries to ensure those in need have medication, supplies, and necessary care. The organization prioritizes working with safety-net clinics, which serve a key role in caring for displaced individuals, particularly those who are low-income and vulnerable.

Direct Relief is communicating with the Florida Association of Community Health Centers and The Florida Association of Free and Charitable Clinics on any needs expected to arise from the storm’s impacts. Direct Relief will continue to monitor the development of this storm in the days ahead and will communicate with additional healthcare providers and first responder organizations to offer additional emergency medical resources as needed.