×

News publications and other organizations are encouraged to reuse Direct Relief-published content for free under a Creative Commons License (Attribution-Non-Commercial-No Derivatives 4.0 International), given the republisher complies with the requirements identified below.

When republishing:

  • Include a byline with the reporter’s name and Direct Relief in the following format: "Author Name, Direct Relief." If attribution in that format is not possible, include the following language at the top of the story: "This story was originally published by Direct Relief."
  • If publishing online, please link to the original URL of the story.
  • Maintain any tagline at the bottom of the story.
  • With Direct Relief's permission, news publications can make changes such as localizing the content for a particular area, using a different headline, or shortening story text. To confirm edits are acceptable, please check with Direct Relief by clicking this link.
  • If new content is added to the original story — for example, a comment from a local official — a note with language to the effect of the following must be included: "Additional reporting by [reporter and organization]."
  • If republished stories are shared on social media, Direct Relief appreciates being tagged in the posts:
    • Twitter (@DirectRelief)
    • Facebook (@DirectRelief)
    • Instagram (@DirectRelief)

Republishing Images:

Unless stated otherwise, images shot by Direct Relief may be republished for non-commercial purposes with proper attribution, given the republisher complies with the requirements identified below.

  • Maintain correct caption information.
  • Credit the photographer and Direct Relief in the caption. For example: "First and Last Name / Direct Relief."
  • Do not digitally alter images.

Direct Relief often contracts with freelance photographers who usually, but not always, allow their work to be published by Direct Relief’s media partners. Contact Direct Relief for permission to use images in which Direct Relief is not credited in the caption by clicking here.

Other Requirements:

  • Do not state or imply that donations to any third-party organization support Direct Relief's work.
  • Republishers may not sell Direct Relief's content.
  • Direct Relief's work is prohibited from populating web pages designed to improve rankings on search engines or solely to gain revenue from network-based advertisements.
  • Advance permission is required to translate Direct Relief's stories into a language different from the original language of publication. To inquire, contact us here.
  • If Direct Relief requests a change to or removal of republished Direct Relief content from a site or on-air, the republisher must comply.

For any additional questions about republishing Direct Relief content, please email the team here.

Texas Storm Response: Direct Relief Mobilizes Medical Aid, Commits $250,000 in Emergency Funding

The organization is responding to requests from areas of Texas impacted by severe weather.

News

Extreme Weather

A woman walks past debris in a Bridgeland neighborhood as families begin cleaning up storm damage on Sunday, May 19, 2024, in Cypress, Texas. (Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle via Getty Images)
By Staff

Direct Relief today committed $250,000 in financial support to communities impacted by powerful thunderstorms that struck Harris County, Texas, and surrounding areas over the weekend with hurricane-force winds. At least eight people have been killed, and hundreds of thousands of people were left without power for days amid stifling heat across the Houston area.

The organization has also opened up access to its inventory of emergency medicines for needs arising from the storms. Direct Relief has shipped and continues to mobilize medical aid for local organizations, including VCare Clinics, and the United Community Foundation, which have requested emergency support, including chronic disease medications and diabetes supplies, and another request of personal care kits, containing hygiene items including soap and shampoo, for people displaced by the storms.

In the wake of a disaster, healthcare organizations most frequently make requests for medical aid in the days and weeks after the most immediate threat has subsided, once it becomes possible to accurately evaluate local medical needs. For that reason, Direct Relief will continue to communicate with organizations on the ground and make its extensive medical inventory available to regional healthcare providers.

Harris County, which includes Houston, is located on the U.S. Gulf Coast. Climate change has hit the area especially hard, with hurricanes, floods, tornadoes, and fierce heat waves all increasing in frequency and intensity. In the wake of a storm or other natural disaster, continuity of care is often disrupted, making it difficult for people who need medication and supplies to manage chronic health conditions.

If conditions like diabetes and hypertension are left unmanaged, they can quickly become life-threatening, which is particularly dangerous when emergency resources are taxed.

While death counts generally only include fatalities directly connected to the storms, indirect deaths are a real and widespread concern. On Monday, more than 180,000 customers were without power in Harris County, and large-scale power outages can create their own health risks and add another layer of complexity to emergency response. Lack of access to power can harm people who rely on medical devices, rendering home supplies of insulin unusable, and exacerbating existing health issues as people struggle with the relentless heat.

Direct Relief will continue to closely monitor the health situation in Harris County and beyond to provide support as requested.

Filed Under: , , , , ,

Giving is Good Medicine

You don't have to donate. That's why it's so extraordinary if you do.