As the fires that burned more than 516,000 acres and displaced 880,000 residents in Southern California have subsided, Direct Relief has continued to support clinics treating patients throughout the region, with an emphasis on San Diego County.

Since the initial outbreak of the fires in late October, Direct Relief has distributed 71 relief shipments – including over 80,000 masks that were distributed to local residents and emergency personnel – valued at $1.4 million (wholesale). All of these shipments contained materials specifically requested by first responders and area medical clinics.

To date, Direct Relief has received more than $600,000 to assist relief and recovery efforts from many generous individuals, groups, and corporate donors. As announced in November, the organization plans to use the portion of these funds not needed to support its response for targeted cash grants.

On December 19, Direct Relief presented $400,000 to the Council of Community Clinics on behalf of their 17 San Diego County member clinics for the outstanding services they provided during the wildfires. You can read the full press release announcing the grant here.

As 2008 begins, Direct Relief will remain committed to ensuring that any material needs these clinics are still experiencing will be met with either material aid or further grants.