Hurricane Idalia | Direct Relief
Direct Relief is responding as mass evacuations have already begun for Idalia.
Over the past week, Direct Relief has shipped one ton of medical aid to health facilities in Florida.
Direct Relief has made available its $360 million (wholesale) medical inventory in California for emergency response operations.
Ready to Respond
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, seven 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.
Direct Relief’s REsponse
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 Florida and throughout the U.S. Gulf Coast 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.
In the past week alone, Direct Relief has sent more than one ton of requested medications and medical supplies to Florida healthcare facilities.
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.
