Medical Aid Departs for 44 U.S. States and Territories, Plus Supporting Health in Mississippi’s Delta Region

The Mississippi River winds through the state's delta region, which is home to Mound Bayou, where the first rural health center was established in 1965. Delta Health Center continues to serve patients today, and was recently featured in a USA Today and Pfizer Foundation video featuring the health center's work. (Courtesy photo)

By Lara Cooper

March 14, 2025

Over the past week, Direct Relief has delivered 361 shipments of requested medical aid to 44 U.S. states and territories and 17 countries worldwide. The shipments contained 7.5 million defined daily doses of medication.

Medications and supplies shipped this week included diabetes management medications, prenatal vitamins, rare disease therapies, and more.

Pfizer Foundation Video Features Delta Health Center

Direct Relief partnered with the Pfizer Foundation and Delta Health Center on a USA Today feature video and story that showcases the collaborative work in building healthier communities in the Mississippi Delta region.

Delta Health Center, located in Mound Bayou, Mississippi, is the first rural community health center in the United States. The center, established in 1965, aimed to improve the health of people who were impacted by severe poverty, environmental conditions, and lack of economic resources.

The health center to continues to fill key gaps in the community today, including for people who would have no other access to health care.

Direct Relief Featured at Academy Awards

Direct Relief was featured during the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences 97th Academy Awards, which supported Direct Relief’s Los Angeles wildfire relief response. The ceremony, which was telecast on Sunday, March 2, urged viewers, attendees, and industry partners to support multiple organizations providing aid to those impacted by the fires, including Direct Relief.

“This time of year, a lucky few get to publicly thank the Academy. Fewer still get to do it on behalf of millions. Direct Relief is honored to thank the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for its support, which will help strengthen communities and aid wildfire-affected families,” said Dr. Byron Scott, CEO of Direct Relief.

Direct Relief continues to actively respond to the devastating fires by mobilizing critical medical aid, and providing financial assistance to community health centers serving displaced families and those in need of urgent medical care.

Field Medic Packs Equip First Responders in El Salvador

First responders in El Salvador recently received field medic packs from Direct Relief. The packs contain first aid essentials, including protective gear, wound care items, and other supplies for triage care during emergencies or disasters. (Photo courtesy of FUSAL)

Field medic packs, filled with emergency essentials for triage care, recently arrived in El Salvador, where they will equip first responders and enhance emergency preparedness.

Last month, in coordination with NGO FUSAL and the Salvadoran American Humanitarian Foundation, Direct Relief provided 37 packs to first responders from the Salvadoran Red Cross, the Salvadoran Volunteer Stretcher Bearer Corps, the Rescue Command, and the Salvadoran Green Cross.

Earlier this year, a series of earthquakes rattled the country, the strongest of which measured a 6.2-magnitude temblor, but minimal damage was reported. The packs will ensure first responders are ready during future emergency responses.

Since 2008, Direct Relief has provided more than $219 million in medical aid to El Salvador.

Operational Snapshot

UNITED STATES

Direct Relief delivered 340 shipments containing 1.2 million doses of medication during the past month to organizations, including the following:

Tree Of Life Healthcare, Georgia
Lestonnac Free Clinic, California
Findley Foundation Inc dba Findley Medical Clinic, Wisconsin
WATCH Healthcare Program, North Carolina
UMC Free Clinic, Florida

Grant Park Clinic, Georgia
Coastal Health & Wellness Galveston Cty. Health District, Texas
Open Arms Health Clinic, Texas
First Baptist Medical/Dental Clinic, Mississippi
Upham’s Community Care Health Center (Upham’s Corner Health Center), Massachusetts

Around the World

Globally, Direct Relief shipped over 6.3 million defined daily doses of medication totaling 41,560 lbs., to countries including the following:

Liberia
Lebanon
Dominican Republic
Iraq

Egypt
Madagascar
Nepal
Malawi

YEAR TO DATE

Since January 1, 2025, Direct Relief has delivered 5,961 shipments to 1,475 partner organizations in 54 U.S. states and territories and 65 countries. These shipments included 69.3 million defined daily doses of medication, valued at $414.1 million wholesale, totaling 1 million lbs.

News

Amgen and Amgen Foundation Donation Dollars on the Ground with Direct Relief in Wake of Southern California Fires – Amgen.com

NAU’s American Indian Nursing Program Expands With Direct Relief Grant to Tackle Critical Shortages in Native Communities – Native News Online

Direct Relief Is Prepared for a Busier 2025 – Pacific Coast Business Times

Cataract Surgery Brings Joy to Three Sisters – The Fiji Times

CIM Employees Convert Los Angeles-Area Soundstage into Fire-Victim Aid Station – CoStar

NAU’s American Indian Nursing Program Expands With Direct Relief Grant to Tackle Critical Shortages in Native Communities – Red Lake Nation News