As Direct Relief’s Emergency Team continues to deliver medicine and medical supplies to help people in need in Colorado following severe flooding that displaced thousands of people, health center partners in the field wish to pass along thanks to everyone who has supported the aid efforts.

This week, the team received an update from staff at Sunrise Monfort Family Clinic Loveland location:

“The Colorado flooding was an unprecedented event, where more than 10 inches of rain fell in less than 72 hours.  This flooded the rivers over capacity and caused widespread flooding.  There were at least 8 deaths; 2,000 houses destroyed; and over 10,000 houses affected by the flood. 

Some mountain towns were completely shut off.  It affected over 2,000 square miles of land.  The current problems include finding shelters and housing for these people; cleaning out basements; and dealing with most people not having flood insurance and of course the emotions that go with this all. 

The [Direct Relief] supplies we received have gone directly to those affected and are in shelters or in the clean-up process.  I will share one quick story of a mother who lost everything and was handed a donated Pillow Pet*. This made her cry for what that meant at that moment.    

We are supplying one shelter, one Red Cross location, and two nonprofit front line organizations across two counties with these wonderful donations.  Thanks everyone for helping us be the front line in helping in this crisis.”

So far, Direct Relief has sent 16 shipments of life-saving supplies to two of its health center partners supporting various relief efforts in their own communities affected by the flooding. Direct Relief anticipates ongoing deliveries in the coming days and weeks as cleanup continues and families return to their homes.