Direct Relief International provides medical assistance to improve the quality of life for people affected by poverty, disaster, and civil unrest at home and throughout the world. We work to strengthen the in-country health efforts of our partners by providing essential material resources – medicines, supplies and equipment.
Track Record
Direct Relief was established in 1948 and is nonsectarian, nongovernmental, and apolitical. All the programs are provided in a non-discriminatory manner, without regard to political affiliation, religious belief, or ethnic identity.
More about history
People
Direct Relief’s activities are conducted from our 50,800 square foot warehouse facility in Santa Barbara, California. The staff is comprised of 42 full-time and 9 part-time employees, and is supported by more than 400 volunteers who assist in all functions.
More about people
Acting Locally
Direct Relief's assistance programs have always been tailored to be responsive to the partner organizations' particular circumstances and needs and those of the people they serve. Direct Relief partners typically provide health services to people in rural areas that are poor, lack health infrastructure, and in which severe health challenges exist.
More about programs
Accountable
In 2003, Direct Relief pioneered open Shareholders' Meetings for all its “investors” (every individual, company, or organization that has contributed money, material, or time to Direct Relief) to brief them on how their investments were spent.
More about accountability
Guiding Principles
In creating strategic plans, Direct Relief reflects on 10 guiding principles which inform and direct its actions.
More about guiding principles