Direct Relief’s Emergency Management Team landed in Oklahoma last night to assess the needs of healthcare partners responding to the deadly tornadoes. The team is reporting that severe thunderstorms soaking the town of Moore are inhibiting the response to the needs of people affected by the tornadoes.

Direct Relief has sent seven emergency medical deliveries valued at over $211,000 (wholesale) to three health center sites serving people affected. Direct Relief is in contact with more than 300 clinic and health centers in storm-affected areas and more priority shipments are planned over the next several days.

Lighthouse Medical Ministries, located just five miles outside of Moore, Oklahoma, have opened their clinic to assist with the response. In the absence of typical transportation options, vans are being sent out to collect people with medical needs and bringing them to the clinic. To reduce the risk of tetanus in the aftermath of the disaster, Lighthouse Medical Ministries requested Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis) Vaccine. Donated by GlaxoSmithKline, 210 doses of Tdap vaccine were shipped immediately and delivered yesterday.

SEMO Health Network also requested and received Tdap vaccine. Direct Relief is sending today an additional shipment of personal care items, anti-inflammatory drugs, diabetes supplies, wound care, gloves, and eye care products. These items will support the deployment of a mobile medical unit to Oklahoma on Friday. The mobile medical unit was donated by Direct Relief after the tornadoes that devastated Joplin, Missouri in 2011.

Community Health Center, Inc in Spencer, Oklahoma was not damaged in the tornadoes and is providing care to people who are displaced or injured. Direct Relief has delivered Similac, Family Dental Kits, pelican cases, blankets and infant hats, and prescription medications and supplies to Community Health Center to help with their response.

Additional medical aid to five clinics are planned this week, including medications, medical supplies, personal care items, and 170 vials of Lantus insulin shipped directly from Sanofi US.