In Multi-State Response, Medical Aid Reaches Hurricane Impacted Communities
By
Staff
Response continues across the U.S. Gulf Coast and the Southeastern United States as many communities deal with the devastating impacts of Hurricanes Milton and Helene. Direct Relief staff members have been on the ground in a multi-state response, supporting hurricane-affected communities from North Carolina to Florida.
In the past week alone, Direct Relief has deployed more than 2 tons of medical aid and emergency supplies to healthcare providers in Florida, North Carolina, and Tennessee, including:
• Medications: Antibiotics, chronic disease medications, and epinephrine for allergic reactions. • Vaccines: Tetanus and hepatitis vaccines due to increased risk from flooding. • Emergency and First Aid Supplies: Items such as bandages, gauze, and hydrocortisone cream were sent in significant quantities, supporting wound care and minor injuries. • Essential Supplies: Personal protective equipment (PPE), oral rehydration salts, and water purification tablets.
In Ft. Pierce, Florida, staff at Oceana Community Health distribute Direct Relief-provided personal care kits, filled with hygiene items like shampoo and soap for people displaced by Hurricanes Milton and Helene. (Courtesy photo)
Oceana Community Health staff provide street medicine care with a Direct Relief field medic pack in Central Florida after Hurricane Helene. (Courtesy photo)
Damage after Hurricane Helene in the Asheville, North Carolina area in Oct. 2024. (Photo by David Uttley for Direct Relief)
Direct Relief staff delivered medical support to NC MedAssist, a charitable pharmacy in Charlotte, North Carolina, on Oct. 7, 2024, as part of Hurricane Helene response efforts. NC MedAssist ships medications across the state, primarily to patients who are uninsured, and the organization recently received requested medications from Direct Relief, including tetanus vaccines to protect those involved in storm cleanup, and epinephrine injections for those allergic to bees and yellowjackets, which have been a concern, post-storm. The organization also received Direct Relief field medic packs and emergency medicines and supplies to support mobile health efforts in storm-affected areas. (Photo by David Uttley for Direct Relief)
ABCCM Medical Ministries, Asheville’s only free clinic, serves vulnerable people with medical, dental care, and medicine. Direct Relief delivered medical essentials in Oct. 2024. (Photo by David Uttley for Direct Relief)
Community Care Clinic staff in Boone, NC, received medication support from Direct Relief after Hurricane Helene. The clinic offers free healthcare to vulnerable people in the Boone area. (Photo by David Uttley for Direct Relief)
Direct Relief staff delivered medical support to NC MedAssist, a charitable pharmacy in Charlotte, North Carolina, on Oct. 7, 2024, as part of Hurricane Helene response efforts. NC MedAssist ships medications across the state, primarily to patients who are uninsured, and the organization recently received requested medications from Direct Relief, including tetanus vaccines to protect those involved in storm cleanup, and epinephrine injections for those allergic to bees and yellowjackets, which have been a concern, post-storm. The organization also received Direct Relief field medic packs and emergency medicines and supplies to support mobile health efforts in storm-affected areas. (Photo by David Uttley for Direct Relief)
Damage from Hurricane Helene as seen in the Asheville, North Carolina area in Oct. 2024. (Photo by David Uttley for Direct Relief)
