To assist people affected by some of the worst wildfires Texas has seen, Direct Relief has reached out to partner clinics throughout the state to offer emergency medical aid for their patients in need. With more than 1.5 million acres burned, Governor Rick Perry has requested a Major Disaster Declaration be proclaimed for Texas which is also in a state of drought, according to Reuters.

Needs identified during a recent nationwide offer of medical aid will be prioritized to clinics in Texas to support their care for people affected by the wildfires and the emergency response. Wildfires pose a particular health risk for people with asthma and other respiratory conditions.

Based on experience garnered during responses to large-scale wildfires in California, including the San Diego Wildfires in 2007 and multiple Santa Barbara-area wildfires in 2008 and 2009, Direct Relief’s emergency response team will coordinate with safety-net clinic partners in Texas to offer the most-needed aid.