By CAROLYN BOLTON, NEWS-PRESS CORRESPONDENT
April 30, 2011 7:27 AM
Direct Relief International has delivered more than $750,000 in medical supplies to 39 health facilities in Arkansas, Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, Missouri and Tennessee through its nationwide Safety Net Support program.
The nonprofit answered the call to help those across the southeastern United States who have lost their homes or been injured as a result of the tornadoes that recently swept through the region, said a spokesman from Direct Relief International.
Direct Relief International is the largest medical relief organization in California and the only nonprofit organization licensed to distribute medications in all 50 states, according to a DRI spokesman.
Furthermore, the nonprofit works with over 1,000 health clinics across the country and 70 countries in the world to assist those in crisis situations, providing free medication.
Of the 1,000 health clinics Direct Relief International supports, 168 are located in states affected by the tornadoes, said a spokesman from Direct Relief International.
These clinics have been alerted via text message of $36 million worth of medical inventory DRI has offered the affected states to use.
The nonprofit medical organization is now focusing its efforts on delivering supplies to partner organizations that specifically ask for assistance, said the DRI spokesman.
Two of these partners are the Semo Health Network in Sikeston, Mo., and the Conway Interfaith Clinic in Conway, Ark.
The Semo Health Network is housing 100 families displaced by flooding and has asked for maintenance medications. The Conway Interfaith Clinic has requested personal care and hygiene items for approximately 60 families that were evacuated from their homes after a tornado swept through the town earlier this week.
Direct Relief International will continue to work with other disaster-response agencies and pinpoint the specific needs of people in the Southeast.
To make a donation to Direct Relief International, visit www.directrelief.org.
e-mail: cbolton@newspress.com