Following the recent deadly tornadoes that struck Kentucky, Missouri, and other parts of the United States, Direct Relief has continued shipping emergency supplies to health centers and free clinics responding on the ground. Unstable weather continues this week, with the possibility of more storm systems, including tornadoes, for parts of the U.S., including areas that have already experienced storm activity.

In response to requests, medical aid departed on Tuesday for the People’s Health Centers in St. Louis, Missouri. Six field medic packs, including medical essentials for triage care, were shipped to the health center to support mobile medical outreach in storm-impacted areas.

Tdap vaccines for people at risk of tetanus exposure during storm cleanup, diabetes test strips, and a mix of over-the-counter and chronic disease management medications were also shipped to the center.

Additional requests from CareSTL and Affinia Healthcare, two other community health providers in Missouri serving heavily impacted areas, departed this week and included essential medicines and supplies, tetanus vaccines, chronic disease medications, antibiotics, EpiPens, diabetes supplies, N95 respirators, and gloves.

Affinia Healthcare CEO Kendra Holmes shared that clinic healthcare providers are working in the hardest hit areas to distribute hygiene kits, water, and other essentials to the community. Clinic staff are directing individuals to shelters and providing bus tickets for transportation.

Direct Relief will continue to support the critical work of community health centers, free clinics, and other first responders.