Direct Relief is responding to Hurricane Ian's impacts, which are still unfolding across the state of Florida. The organization is currently coordinating multiple rapid response shipments of medical aid across the state, and will continue to respond to requests in the coming days and weeks. Direct Relief has prepositioned a dozen Hurricane Prep Packs with our health center partners in Florida and is responding to additional requests for emergency medicines, backup power systems, and more.
Disasters like hurricanes disproportionately impact vulnerable people, including children, older adults, people without access to transportation, people with disabilities, and those for whom English is a second language. People with chronic conditions are also at risk if they lose access to medications needed to manage their health. Conditions like asthma, diabetes and high blood pressure can prompt emergency room visits during times of high volume for acute injuries.
Direct Relief is providing personal care supplies, first aid supplies, medications and other support to health care centers in the hurricane's path that serve vulnerable populations.
In addition to the immediate post-storm needs, Direct Relief will work with the health care centers to build resiliency by assisting them in acquiring back up power and refrigeration for fragile medications.
