×

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.

When a Parking Lot Becomes a Clinic, Patients Connect with Medicines Near Burn Zone

Dr. Evelyn Lo, medical director of Medical Mission Adventures, received medications last week, including insulin, for patients impacted by the Eaton Fire in Pasadena.

News

California Wildfires

Dr. Evelyn Lo receives a shipment of essential medicines, including insulin, antibiotics, and inhalers from Direct Relief staff on Jan. 15, 2025. Dr. Lo is the medical director of Medical Mission Adventures, which runs a mobile medical clinic providing care for patients near the Eaton Fire burn zone in Pasadena. (Photo by Mason Poole for Direct Relief)
By Lara Cooper

Critical medications are reaching those impacted by Los Angeles-area fires, including to those seeking care at a walk-in clinic operating out of a Pasadena church parking lot.

That’s where Direct Relief pharmacy staff delivered requested prescription medications, including insulin, antibiotics, and inhalers. On hand was Dr. Evelyn Lo, medical director of Medical Mission Adventures, a mobile medical clinic registered as a first responder with FEMA in the State of California and County of Los Angeles in the event of a natural disaster, including the recent wildfires.

Dr. Lo said the clinic’s location was critical to meeting patients in need.

“A lot of people live literally across the street in the burn zone,” she said, adding that the patients seeking care were already underresourced, before the fires.

Now, with an area clinic that was a main source for healthcare destroyed in the fire, needs are even higher. Included in deliveries last week were inhalers, nebulizers, and other supplies for respiratory health, a critical issue resulting from poor air quality due to smoke and ash from the fires.

“Whether they have asthma or they don’t, they are coming in with respiratory illnesses,” she said.

Patients also arrived at the medical outpost with acute injuries from rapid evacuation, including abrasions and orthopedic injuries, as well as needing therapies like insulin to manage diabetes.

Direct Relief staff also delivered P100 masks and protective equipment for people reentering burn zones. These items were provided for medical staff conducting house-to-house medical care in the area.

Direct Relief has been providing medications to health providers caring for those impacted by the fires, including evacuees at the Pasadena Convention Center. More shipments of medical aid will depart this week for health facilities providing ongoing care.

Direct Relief staff deliver medical support to a mobile clinic site near the Eaton Fire burn zone, where patients were seeking medical care. (Photo by Mason Poole for Direct Relief)

Filed Under: , , , , ,

Giving is Good Medicine

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