×

News publications and other organizations are encouraged to reuse Direct Relief-published content for free under a Creative Commons License (Attribution-Non-Commercial-No Derivatives 4.0 International), given the republisher complies with the requirements identified below.

When republishing:

  • Include a byline with the reporter’s name and Direct Relief in the following format: "Author Name, Direct Relief." If attribution in that format is not possible, include the following language at the top of the story: "This story was originally published by Direct Relief."
  • If publishing online, please link to the original URL of the story.
  • Maintain any tagline at the bottom of the story.
  • With Direct Relief's permission, news publications can make changes such as localizing the content for a particular area, using a different headline, or shortening story text. To confirm edits are acceptable, please check with Direct Relief by clicking this link.
  • If new content is added to the original story — for example, a comment from a local official — a note with language to the effect of the following must be included: "Additional reporting by [reporter and organization]."
  • If republished stories are shared on social media, Direct Relief appreciates being tagged in the posts:
    • Twitter (@DirectRelief)
    • Facebook (@DirectRelief)
    • Instagram (@DirectRelief)

Republishing Images:

Unless stated otherwise, images shot by Direct Relief may be republished for non-commercial purposes with proper attribution, given the republisher complies with the requirements identified below.

  • Maintain correct caption information.
  • Credit the photographer and Direct Relief in the caption. For example: "First and Last Name / Direct Relief."
  • Do not digitally alter images.

Direct Relief often contracts with freelance photographers who usually, but not always, allow their work to be published by Direct Relief’s media partners. Contact Direct Relief for permission to use images in which Direct Relief is not credited in the caption by clicking here.

Other Requirements:

  • Do not state or imply that donations to any third-party organization support Direct Relief's work.
  • Republishers may not sell Direct Relief's content.
  • Direct Relief's work is prohibited from populating web pages designed to improve rankings on search engines or solely to gain revenue from network-based advertisements.
  • Advance permission is required to translate Direct Relief's stories into a language different from the original language of publication. To inquire, contact us here.
  • If Direct Relief requests a change to or removal of republished Direct Relief content from a site or on-air, the republisher must comply.

For any additional questions about republishing Direct Relief content, please email the team here.

9/11 Anniversary: Progress in Preparedness

News

By Jenny Hutain

In 2001, the United States experienced a great tragedy on 9/11 that called attention to the country’s need to be prepared for disasters and unpredictable events. In 2002 the U.S. Surgeon General  responded by mandating that each county in America recruit, train, and equip a group of local civilian volunteers, known as the Medical Reserve Corps (MRC), who stand ready to respond to emergencies within their local communities.

While many counties designated medical volunteers to serve on their county’s Medical Reserve Corps there was not adequate funding to equip these volunteers. Direct Relief recognized this gap and began creating customized Med-Packs for the MRC units in California. Each pack contains supplies and equipment to meet a variety of disaster-related health needs, including infection control, diagnostics, trauma care, and personal protection tools. The packs enable Medical Reserve Corps members—trained, credentialed, medical personnel—to respond when disaster strikes.

Direct Relief and the California Emergency Medical Services Authority (Cal EMSA) are working to equip all Medical Reserve Corps members throughout California. Additionally,  Direct Relief received the Outstanding Medical Reserve Corps Partner Organization Award from the national Office of the Civillian Volunteer MRC organization in 2010.

Over the past three years, generous contributions from FedEx and other donors have allowed Direct Relief to equip over 1,200 volunteers serving 15 MRC units across the state, from San Diego to Lake County. In the coming months, Direct Relief will supply county medical reservists with an additional 500 MRC packs, with a goal of expanding the program as the organization secures additional program funding.

In the 11 years since 9/11, the U.S. has created a force of over 200,000 volunteers preparing for and responding to public health emergencies including disease outbreaks, wildfires, floods, hurricanes, and terrorist attacks. Direct Relief recognizes the important preparedness role these volunteers play at both the national and local levels, and will continue to support them.

Giving is Good Medicine

You don't have to donate. That's why it's so extraordinary if you do.