When an emergency occurs anywhere in the world, Direct Relief works with its local partners to assess the immediate needs of people who have been affected in order to respond swiftly and efficiently. As part of its approach, Direct Relief also focuses on equipping its partners in disaster-prone regions with medicines and supplies before emergencies happen so that they are able to respond immediately to their community’s needs while additional aid is on the way. Direct Relief’s emergency response efforts focus on strengthening and building the resiliency of health systems to ensure long-term recovery and sustainability.
Response:
Direct Relief’s approach to disasters is to support the immediate needs of people by working with local partners that are best situated to assess, respond, and prepare for long-term recovery. Each emergency is unique and has specific characteristics that are dependent upon local facts and circumstances. Coordinating with local, national, and international responders to avoid duplication of efforts and logistical bottlenecks, Direct Relief’s efforts are always in direct response to specific requests from partners and are coordinated to ensure the most efficient use of resources.
Preparedness:
Direct Relief understands the importance of preparedness and works to equip its vulnerable communities before disasters strike. Based on years of experience responding to large-scale emergencies worldwide, Direct Relief has developed programs that help address the needs of vulnerable communities before a disaster strikes. This includes pre-positioning emergency medical materials with healthcare facilities in areas vulnerable to hurricanes.
Emergency Preparedness and Response initiatives include:
Hurricane Preparedness Program: Pre-positioning supplies in areas at risk for hurricanes.
Emergency Health Kits: Storing ready-to-ship modules to address a range of disaster scenarios.
Medical Backpacks: Equipping first responders with what they need to provide care anywhere.
Disaster Response: Responding to disasters in the U.S. and internationally.
