Severe flooding in Louisiana, caused by days of sustained rainfall, has affected tens of thousands and prompted the federal government to declare a major disaster in 30 of the hardest-hit parishes.
At least 13 people lost their lives. Thousands lost their homes.
Direct Relief’s Response
Direct Relief is working to fulfill the urgent need for medicines and medical supplies at community health centers and clinics throughout central Louisiana. As of August 19, Direct Relief has provided material aid to the following facilities:
- RKM Primary Care
- Eunice Community Health Center
- Southeast Community Health Systems
- Care South, Baton Rouge
- Gabriel Community Health Center
These health facilities care for people who have little income, often lack health insurance and are among the most vulnerable generally. During an emergency, if a medication they need to manage a chronic condition such as diabetes becomes unavailable, these individuals find themselves at even greater risk.
Direct Relief has sent several emergency shipments of tetanus vaccines, insulin, diabetic supplies, and medical outreach packs.
Direct Relief also prepositioned emergency medical modules with three healthcare partners in flood-affected regions:
- Lafayette Community Health Care Clinic
- Southeast Community Health Systems
- Capitol City Family Health Center
Each emergency module is designed to meet the needs of 100 patients for approximately 3 to 5 days. The modules contain wound care supplies, chronic medications, antibiotics, diabetic supplies, and more.
The medical items were donated by 3M, Abbott, AbbVie, Alcon Laboratories, Inc., AstraZeneca, BD, CVS, Eli Lilly & Company, Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Magno-Humphries Labs, Inc., Medtronic, Omron Healthcare, Inc., Pfizer, Inc., Purdue Pharma, L.P., Sanofi Foundation for North America, and Unilever, and delivered by FedEx free-of-charge.
Policy Regarding Louisiana Flood Donations
Direct Relief is seeking donations in support of its response efforts in Louisiana. People who would like to contribute to the response can do so by visiting Direct Relief’s donation page and directing their donation to “Louisiana Flooding Emergency.”
As with other large scale emergencies, Direct Relief’s policy regarding donations for the Louisiana Floods is simple: Direct Relief will use all contributions designated for Louisiana Flooding solely for relief and recovery efforts related to Flooding in Louisiana.
No Emergency Funds are used for Fundraising Expenses: 100% of Direct Relief’s fundraising expenses are paid by a bequest. This means that no portion of any contribution for Louisiana flooding will be used for fundraising purposes.
