Latest news with #DirectRelief
Associated Press
10-06-2025
- Health
- Associated Press
New Study: Wildfires Cause Months-Long Delays in Medical Care for At-Risk Californians
SANTA BARBARA, Calif., June 9, 2025 /3BL/ - A new study reveals how wildfires are particularly dangerous for Californians with significant health conditions, with one in five respondents reporting harm to their health from delays in medical care after the Oak Fire. Led by researchers from Harvard Medical School-affiliated Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Direct Relief, and Mariposa County Health and Human Services Agency, the study focuses on the 2022 Oak Fire in rural Mariposa County—but its findings resonate statewide, as wildfires, evacuations, and public safety power shutoffs increase in frequency. 'Interruptions to health care access during and in the aftermath of disasters impact health long after the initial insult,' the authors write. The study appears in the journal Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness (Cambridge University Press) and is available at The study 'underscores the worrisome disruptions in health care access faced by medically vulnerable populations across the US during disaster,' the paper says. 'That 1/5 missed routine appointments, and that the vast majority could not re-establish care for weeks or months deserves urgent attention.' Researchers surveyed Mariposa County residents who were enrolled in the Support and Aid For Everyone (SAFE) program - a county program that assists those with self-identified special needs during emergencies, and comprises largely older adults and those with chronic medical conditions and mobility needs. Among the respondents – with a median age of 78 years old, nearly ¾ of whom had mobility issues, and nearly half of whom needed help with activities of daily living – the study found major gaps in emergency readiness, access to information, and continued medical care: With over 230,000 Medicare beneficiaries in California relying on powered medical devices, the study raises red flags far beyond Mariposa County—from seniors in Fresno to immunocompromised residents in Los Angeles. Asked to identify the most trusted sources of reliable information about evacuations and fires, 77% pointed to county officials, compared to 57% for state officials and 23% for TV news. The Oak Fire information they found most useful was fire location and progress, road closures, risks to the household, shelter locations, and evacuation routes. As California enters another active fire season, the authors make the case that wildfire response must include protecting access to care for those who can't go without it. 'Preparedness must focus not only on response to disasters, but on preempting health care disruptions at home—through improved outreach and communication, access to back-up power and supplies, and pathways to efficiently reinstate health services,' they write. Media Contacts: Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center: Katie Brace, [email protected] Direct Relief: Paul Sherer, [email protected] Mariposa County Health and Human Services Agency: Kazzy Cunningham, [email protected]
Associated Press
22-05-2025
- Health
- Associated Press
Global Initiative Launched To Protect Kidney Patients During Crises and Emergencies
May 22, 2025 /3BL/ - An international alliance of humanitarian and medical organizations is announcing the launch of a new initiative to protect kidney and dialysis patients in crisis settings around the world. The Global Humanitarian Kidney Support Initiative—a collaboration among Direct Relief, the American Society of Nephrology (ASN), the European Renal Association (ERA), and the International Society of Nephrology (ISN)—aims to ensure continuity of care for people with serious kidney conditions during disasters, conflicts, and in regions where access to essential health services is limited. The initiative brings together global clinical expertise in nephrology with on-the-ground experience in humanitarian logistics to help sustain kidney care when health systems are disrupted or overwhelmed. Kidney patients—particularly those receiving dialysis or post-transplant care requiring essential medications—are especially vulnerable in emergencies. Regular access to treatment is essential for survival, and any interruption can quickly become life-threatening. The initiative seeks to address that risk through coordinated action, including emergency support for clinics and hospitals, provision of essential medicines and supplies, and training for healthcare workers operating under strained conditions. 'Kidney patients rely on consistent, life-sustaining treatment, which can be difficult to maintain when disaster strikes,' said Alycia Clark, Chief Pharmacist at Direct Relief. 'This collaboration helps ensure continuity of care by equipping health facilities with the products, training, and coordination required to deliver treatment safely and effectively—even under the most challenging conditions.' The partner organizations have previously worked together during major emergencies in the United States, Ukraine, Sudan, and other regions. The launch of this initiative builds on those efforts and establishes a formal structure to improve speed, coordination, and scale in future responses. 'This initiative reflects how much more can be accomplished when organizations combine strengths with a shared commitment to meeting urgent medical needs,' said Amy Weaver, CEO of Direct Relief. 'By uniting nephrology leaders with expertise in humanitarian operations, this collaboration creates a clear path for delivering kidney care where it's most at risk of falling through the cracks.' In addition to emergency response, the Global Humanitarian Kidney Support Initiative aims to contribute to long-term improvements in care by strengthening infrastructure in low- and middle-income countries, expanding clinical education, and advancing patient awareness and disease prevention strategies. Direct Relief will manage medical supply logistics and operational support, while ASN, ERA, and ISN will lead regional efforts through their professional networks and national society partners. 'ASN is thrilled to be part of this new collaboration with ERA, ISN and Direct Relief. Together, we will be able to provide support to patients and their caregivers in regions impacted by both natural and human-influenced events and stretch each organization's resources further. The support of corporate and foundation sponsors will be instrumental in ensuring that people living with kidney diseases have the best chance to thrive even in extreme circumstances', said Jeffrey Silberzweig, MD, Chair, ASN's Humanitarian Kidney Support Program 'Patients with kidney diseases represent one of the most vulnerable groups in disaster settings since their survival depends on functional infrastructure, access to advanced technology and experienced personnel within days (if not hours),' said Professor Mehmet Şükrü Sever, Chair of ERA's Kidney Relief in Disasters Task Force. The Global Humanitarian Kidney Support Initiative can contribute to life-saving efforts by promoting clinical education, enhancing patient awareness and disease prevention strategies and delivering material support when most needed. 'Kidney patients in many parts of the world already have fragile access to care. When disaster strikes, the risk of interruption or disruption of needed care becomes rapidly acute. This initiative strengthens collaboration between professional renal societies and humanitarian organizations, allowing the ISN to contribute its expertise and help connect local providers with urgently needed support', stated Prof. Ali Abu-Alfa, Chair, ISN Renal Disaster Preparedness Working Group. Looking ahead, the initiative aims to expand its reach and impact by engaging pharmaceutical and medical device companies, philanthropic foundations, and global health partners to close critical gaps in care and strengthen long-term support for people living with kidney disease—especially in regions where treatment access remains fragile. ### About ASN Since 1966, ASN has been leading the fight to prevent, treat, and cure kidney diseases throughout the world by educating health professionals and scientists, advancing research and innovation, communicating new knowledge and advocating for the highest quality care for patients. ASN has nearly 22,000 members representing 141 countries. For more information, visit and follow us on Facebook, X, LinkedIn, and Instagram About Direct Relief A humanitarian organization committed to improving the health and lives of people affected by poverty or emergencies, Direct Relief delivers lifesaving medical resources to communities in need around the world—without regard to politics, religion, or ability to pay. The organization holds NABP Drug Distributor Accreditation and is licensed to distribute prescription medications in all 50 U.S. states. In 2025, Direct Relief received the Seoul Peace Prize in recognition of its global humanitarian impact and effectiveness. For more information, please visit About ERA With more than 28,000 members, the ERA (European Renal Association) is one of the largest and most prestigious nephrology associations worldwide. It supports basic and clinical research in clinical nephrology, dialysis, renal transplantation, and related subjects, dedicated to advancing kidney health through science, education, and networking. Founded in 1963, ERA serves as a leading platform for scientific exchange, professional development, and advocacy in the field of nephrology across Europe and beyond. ERA organises annual congresses, supports fellowships and CME courses, and publishes two leading nephrology journals in Europe: Nephrology Dialysis Transplantation and Clinical Kidney Journal (open access). For more information, please visit About ISN The International Society of Nephrology, established in 1960, is a global professional medical association committed to advancing kidney health worldwide through education, grants, research, and advocacy. By collaborating with its members and affiliated national and regional societies, the ISN engages with 30,000 health professionals worldwide to help reduce the burden of kidney diseases and provide optimal health care for patients globally. For more information, please visit Visit 3BL Media to see more multimedia and stories from Direct Relief
Associated Press
13-05-2025
- Health
- Associated Press
2025 Hurricane Season Nears As U.S. and Caribbean Continue Rebuilding From 2024 Storms
With the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season officially beginning on June 1, many communities across the United States and Caribbean are still recovering from the devastating impacts of the 2024 storm season. Since Hurricanes Beryl, Helene, and Milton made landfall last year, Direct Relief has provided more than $50 million in aid to affected areas—$42 million in medical resources and $9 million in financial support. Hurricane Beryl Hurricane Beryl broke records in late June 2024 as the earliest Category 5 Atlantic storm, tearing from Grenada and Jamaica across the eastern Caribbean, brushing Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula, and finally striking Texas. Direct Relief's support tracked the storm from beginning to end: hurricane preparedness packPuerto Rico$3 million grant to the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States Hurricanes Helene and Milton Back-to-back hurricanes struck the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic in late 2024. Hurricane Helene, a powerful Category 4 storm, hit Florida's Big Bend region on September 29 before sweeping through Georgia, the Carolinas, and into Virginia. Just days later, Hurricane Milton followed a similar path, exacerbating the damage left behind. Together, the storms caused deadly tornadoes, widespread flooding, and left millions without power. Since landfall, Direct Relief has provided more than $32 million in assistance, including $27 million in medical aid and $5.8 million in financial support to health providers across the hardest-hit states. State-by-State Support: In the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Helene, Direct Relief delivered hundreds of specifically requested shipments to more than 90 healthcare facilities across Florida, North Carolina, and Tennessee. Supplies included antibiotics, medications for chronic conditions, epinephrine, vaccines, personal protective equipment, oral rehydration salts, and water purification tablets. In North Carolina, Direct Relief staff personally delivered support to NC MedAssist, a statewide charitable pharmacy serving uninsured patients. The organization received tetanus vaccines for cleanup crews, epinephrine for insect-sting reactions, and field medic packs for mobile health outreach. With many facilities damaged, staff displaced, and access to utilities disrupted, Direct Relief issued emergency operating grants to help providers maintain services. Funding supported essential supplies, staffing, repairs, and care for patients with injuries, chronic conditions, mental health needs, and disrupted prenatal care. Though less intense than initially feared, Hurricane Milton worsened conditions in already battered communities. Power outages, flooding, and tornadoes created urgent medical needs in places like the Spanish Lakes senior community, where Oceana Community Health deployed two mobile clinics even before the storm made landfall. Direct Relief supported the response with medical supplies and emergency funding. 2025 Hurricane Season: Looking Ahead As the new hurricane season begins, Direct Relief remains committed not only to response, but to helping communities better withstand future storms. That commitment includes strengthening local supply chains, expanding backup power capacity at healthcare facilities, and ensuring frontline providers have access to the resources needed to safeguard vulnerable populations. By working in close coordination with trusted local partners and building on lessons from previous responses, Direct Relief continues to invest in scalable, high-impact solutions that protect health and improve disaster readiness—before, during, and after the storm. Visit 3BL Media to see more multimedia and stories from Direct Relief
Associated Press
06-05-2025
- Health
- Associated Press
Direct Relief Accepts 2025 Seoul Peace Prize for Global Humanitarian Impact
SEOUL, South Korea - On April 28, 2025, Direct Relief formally accepted the 2025 Seoul Peace Prize, one of the world's most distinguished honors for humanitarian achievement, in recognition of the organization's unwavering commitment to aiding people affected by poverty, disasters, and conflict. 'Peace is not just about the absence of conflict, but the presence of dignity, opportunity, and hope for all people,' said Dr. Byron Scott, Chief Executive Officer of Direct Relief, at the award ceremony today in Seoul. 'This is what Direct Relief strives to create through our work—by ensuring everyone, regardless of where they live or their ability to pay, has access to the healthcare they need to live full and healthy lives.' Established in 1990 to commemorate the Seoul Olympic Games, the Seoul Peace Prize recognizes individuals and organizations making significant global contributions to peace, development, and human welfare. Direct Relief, the 17th laureate, joins distinguished previous awardees such as Kofi Annan, Václav Havel, Ban Ki Moon, and Doctors Without Borders. 'It is with great sincerity that I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Direct Relief, an international medical relief organization, on being named laureate of the Seoul Peace Prize 2025, an award of deep and lasting significance,' said Jaeho Yeom, Chairman of the Seoul Peace Prize Cultural Foundation. 'Direct Relief has exemplified true humanitarianism by providing medicines and medical supplies around the world—not through temporary aid, but sustained, patient-focused support uniquely tailored to each region. By maintaining the highest financial transparency and relying solely on private donations, Direct Relief maximizes the impact of giving, delivering medical assistance precisely where it's most urgently needed.' In presenting the prize, Christopher Koo, Chairman of the Seoul Peace Prize Selection Committee, underscored the urgency of Direct Relief's work: 'The current global landscape, regrettably, continues to challenge our relentless efforts toward peace. In particular, countless victims of war and natural disasters are dying due to the lack of access to essential medicines and medical supplies. … Direct Relief was highly regarded for its unwavering commitment over the past 76 years to advancing peace through medical aid. The organization has quietly but powerfully carried out its mission to deliver healthcare where it is most needed.' Since 2000, Direct Relief has delivered more than $16 billion in medical assistance to 136 countries and every U.S. state. 'This prize is a reminder that peace begins in the most fundamental way—in supporting the health and well-being of every person,' Dr. Scott concluded. 'This is the peace we aim to foster every day.' Click to continue reading highlights from Dr. Scott's acceptance speech. Visit 3BL Media to see more multimedia and stories from Direct Relief
Associated Press
06-05-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
From Fortune 500 Executive to Global Humanitarian Leadership, Amy Weaver Takes the Helm as CEO of Direct Relief
SANTA BARBARA, Calif., May 5, 2025 – Amy Weaver today officially begins as Chief Executive Officer of Direct Relief, bringing a record of executive leadership and a deep humanitarian commitment to the organization as it scales its operations to aid people affected by poverty, disaster, and conflict worldwide. Weaver joins Direct Relief from Salesforce, where she served since 2020 as President and Chief Financial Officer. Over her nearly 12-year tenure at the Fortune 500 company, she also led the global legal and corporate affairs team as Chief Legal Officer and oversaw a wide range of functions, including Global Communications, Real Estate and Workplace Services, Corporate Development, Accessibility, Government Affairs, Audit, and Ethics & Compliance. She has also served on the boards of Habitat for Humanity International and McDonald's and previously held executive and legal positions at Univar Solutions and Expedia Group. 'Amy brings precisely the leadership strengths Direct Relief needs at this pivotal moment,' said Mark Linehan, Chair of the Board of Directors. 'She combines strategic thinking with operational discipline and has shown throughout her career that she's a deeply deliberate thinker who puts people first. Her experience managing complex, high-growth organizations, coupled with her commitment to humanitarian causes, makes her ideally suited to lead Direct Relief as it faces the accelerating scale of humanitarian challenges.' 'It's an extraordinary honor to lead Direct Relief—an organization widely trusted for its ability to deliver life-saving assistance with speed, precision, and compassion,' Weaver said. 'I'm excited to build on its remarkable legacy and help ensure that people facing the most urgent challenges—whether from disasters, poverty, or conflict—receive the care and support they need.' Weaver succeeds Thomas Tighe, who served as CEO of Direct Relief for 24 years and led the organization's expansion into the fifth-largest charity in the United States and one of the largest providers of charitable medications globally. Weaver's appointment also comes just days after Direct Relief was named the 2025 Seoul Peace Prize laureate —a global honor recognizing individuals and organizations that advance peace and human welfare. Dr. Byron Scott, who has served as CEO on an interim basis since January 2025, accepted the award on behalf of the organization at a ceremony in Seoul on April 28. 'This prize is a reminder that peace begins in the most fundamental way—in supporting the health and well-being of every person,' he said during his remarks. 'This is the peace we aim to foster every day.' Dr. Scott will now transition back into the role of Chief Operating Officer and President. 'Under Amy Weaver's leadership, I'm confident that Direct Relief will continue to expand its impact for people affected by increasingly severe disasters, ongoing conflict, and persistent barriers to healthcare,' Dr. Scott said. 'I look forward to working alongside her continue advancing the vital work of Direct Relief.' Visit 3BL Media to see more multimedia and stories from Direct Relief
