Following severe flooding that has destroyed thousands of structures, forcing hundreds of people to evacuate their homes, Direct Relief has reached out to nearly 140 health center and clinic partners in Oklahoma and Texas, prepared to respond to urgent requests for medical aid.

The massive storms have killed at least nine people and left 30 more missing, prompting a state of emergency to be declared in 24 counties in Texas and 44 in Oklahoma, according to The Washington Post.

Both Direct Relief’s standing inventory of critical medicines and supplies as well as its emergency response stock – items set aside specifically for disaster support efforts – have been made available for these partners.

Staff at the Texas Association of Community Health Centers, Inc. (TACHC) report that many health centers are closed because of the flooding. TACHC has included Direct Relief as an emergency response resource in an email to their contacts.

During and after flooding, many people are at high risk of developing skin, eye, and respiratory infections as well as other waterborne illnesses. Additionally, many people may have lost their critically needed medications in the midst of flooding and/or evacuation.

As the first nonprofit licensed to distribute pharmaceuticals to its network of more than 1,300 clinics and health centers in all 50 states, Direct Relief is uniquely positioned to respond to medical needs during and after emergencies.

To support Direct Relief’s emergency preparedness and response initiatives, donate here.