More than 16 tons of medical material aid has departed Direct Relief’s warehouse today for Haiti, via donated airlift by FedEx. Destined for Port-au-Prince, the large consignment will provide critically needed medicines and medical supplies so Direct Relief’s partners can continue to care for the huge numbers of people injured in the earthquake.

The shipment, which includes adult and pediatric antibiotics, analgesics, surgical equipment, and sterile-wound supplies, will be received and managed in Port-au-Prince by Direct Relief staff on the ground there. Brett Williams, director of emergency response, is returning to Haiti Saturday following his initial 10-day deployment there. He and two other staff members will manage inventory and help supply key partners in Haiti from Port-au-Prince. This strategy will enable Direct Relief to respond immediately to partners’ needs as they arise.

FedEx’s support for this large consignment reflects its strong commitment to Direct Relief’s emergency response in Haiti.

“Our partners are working literally around the clock and at capacity to treat the many people injured in the earthquake,” said Williams. “They desperately need these supplies, so this airlift will go a long way to support their critical work.”

Before today’s shipment, Direct Relief had already provided more than $6 million in medical aid for several partners treating earthquake survivors.