Direct Relief steps in to help Puerto Rico

Power outages, flooding, and disaster: the aftermath of hurricane Fiona has been devastating for the people of Puerto Rico. Medical aid and power solutions were the most needed form of assistance in the immediate aftermath of the hurricane. Luckily humanitarian aid groups across the world have shown up for those in need providing much-needed resources. 

Direct Relief, a humanitarian relief nonprofit organization has provided tremendous assistance to hurricane victims in times of distress. Direct Relief has prepositioned 10 caches of emergency medical supplies containing 1,680 lbs. of trauma supplies, antibiotics, and medications for chronic conditions at health clinics across Puerto Rico. These medical items are among the most needed supplies in times of disaster. Not only were these caches provided, but Direct Relief also staged over 100 field medic backpacks containing medical supplies. Beyond Puerto Rico, emergency aid is also prepositioned in Anguilla, the Bahamas, Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Cuba, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Panama, St. Lucia, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Ahead of the storm Direct Relief had clear plans for preparedness throughout Puerto Rico and the Caribbean. 

The outreach after hurricane Fiona hit has also been making a widespread impact. Delivering 200 boxes of food, water, and hygiene kits across Puerto Rico, the communities of Valle Hermoso, San José, San Romualdo, Olla Grande, and Hoyo, have received much-needed resources. Guayanilla was completely flooded, and in order to provide substantial support, received over 250 boxes of food, water, hygiene kits, cleaning supplies, and school packs.

Direct Relief is able to move quickly and provide assurance to those in disasters. Since 2010 they have provided 14,830,842 doses of medicine and raised $89,438,547 in medical relief funds. 100% of donations made to Puerto Rico will be donated to work over on the islands. After the disaster of hurricane Fiona, the support from Direct Relief has provided great assistance to those still struggling from all of the obstacles the storm has brought.