×

News publications and other organizations are encouraged to reuse Direct Relief-published content for free under a Creative Commons License (Attribution-Non-Commercial-No Derivatives 4.0 International), given the republisher complies with the requirements identified below.

When republishing:

  • Include a byline with the reporter’s name and Direct Relief in the following format: "Author Name, Direct Relief." If attribution in that format is not possible, include the following language at the top of the story: "This story was originally published by Direct Relief."
  • If publishing online, please link to the original URL of the story.
  • Maintain any tagline at the bottom of the story.
  • With Direct Relief's permission, news publications can make changes such as localizing the content for a particular area, using a different headline, or shortening story text. To confirm edits are acceptable, please check with Direct Relief by clicking this link.
  • If new content is added to the original story — for example, a comment from a local official — a note with language to the effect of the following must be included: "Additional reporting by [reporter and organization]."
  • If republished stories are shared on social media, Direct Relief appreciates being tagged in the posts:
    • Twitter (@DirectRelief)
    • Facebook (@DirectRelief)
    • Instagram (@DirectRelief)

Republishing Images:

Unless stated otherwise, images shot by Direct Relief may be republished for non-commercial purposes with proper attribution, given the republisher complies with the requirements identified below.

  • Maintain correct caption information.
  • Credit the photographer and Direct Relief in the caption. For example: "First and Last Name / Direct Relief."
  • Do not digitally alter images.

Direct Relief often contracts with freelance photographers who usually, but not always, allow their work to be published by Direct Relief’s media partners. Contact Direct Relief for permission to use images in which Direct Relief is not credited in the caption by clicking here.

Other Requirements:

  • Do not state or imply that donations to any third-party organization support Direct Relief's work.
  • Republishers may not sell Direct Relief's content.
  • Direct Relief's work is prohibited from populating web pages designed to improve rankings on search engines or solely to gain revenue from network-based advertisements.
  • Advance permission is required to translate Direct Relief's stories into a language different from the original language of publication. To inquire, contact us here.
  • If Direct Relief requests a change to or removal of republished Direct Relief content from a site or on-air, the republisher must comply.

For any additional questions about republishing Direct Relief content, please email the team here.

A Season of Gratitude, Responsibility, and Shared Purpose

News

Health

Direct Relief delivered requested N95 masks on January 23, 2025, in response to air quality impacts after wildfires. The masks went to the Mixteco Indigena Community Organizing Project, or MICOP, which represents agricultural workers. (Photo by Andrew Schoneberger for Direct Relief)
By Amy Weaver

Subscribe on LinkedIn

This story first appeared in Amy Weaver’s LinkedIn newsletter,
Direct Relief: Hope Ahead.

As we approach the end of the year and enter the season of giving, I want to take a moment to express my deep gratitude to each of you — our partners, staff, donors, volunteers, and supporters. When I stepped into the CEO role in May, I was profoundly thankful for the decades of dedication that shaped Direct Relief into the organization it is today. That sense of stewardship has only grown stronger over these past months.

This season invites reflection — not just on what we’ve accomplished, but on why we do this work. At its core, Direct Relief exists to ensure fairness — that people have access to the same chance at health and life, regardless of where they live. It’s a belief that began early in my life, shaped by parents who always made service a priority, and reinforced through years of volunteer work and nonprofit engagement. It is that same belief that guides me now.

Expanding Direct Relief’s Global Impact

In Nov. 2025, Direct Relief launched its European entity in Frankfurt, Germany, at the Founding Forum. The forum brought together representatives from more than a dozen pharmaceutical companies and humanitarian partners, as well as government officials and local leaders, including Andriy Sadovyy, the Mayor of Lviv. (Direct Relief photo)

This past month, Direct Relief launched its European entity in Frankfurt, Germany — a meaningful milestone as the organization expands the reach and efficiency of its pharmaceutical partnerships across Europe. The Founding Forum brought together representatives from more than a dozen pharmaceutical companies and humanitarian partners, as well as government officials and local leaders. Their presence underscored the importance of this moment and the urgency of bolstering access to medicines globally.

At the same time, Direct Relief’s engagement in Asia deepened through growing collaboration with Peace Winds Japan — a group with exceptional expertise in emergency response. Their annual disaster simulation exercise was a vivid demonstration of preparedness in action, and the groundwork now underway will strengthen search-and-rescue capacity and medical response networks across the region.

Responding with Speed and Purpose

Emergency medicines and supplies are staged at Direct Relief headquarters in Santa Barbara on Nov. 3. The medications were shipped to Jamaica via 757 charter last month. (Kim Ofilas/Direct Relief)

When Hurricane Melissa struck the Caribbean, Direct Relief mobilized quickly. Planning began even before landfall, and within days Direct Relief emergency response teams were on the ground with field medic backpacks and critical supplies. On November 8, the organization chartered a Boeing 757 carrying more than 16 tons of medical supplies — over $1 million worth of requested medicines and equipment.

Leading With Purpose and Accountability

Some of you may have read the recent profile published in the Montecito Journal’s Giving List, which reflects on my journey from corporate leadership into humanitarian work. While the transition may appear dramatic on the surface, in many ways it has felt like a continuation of what has mattered most to me: community, service, and the belief that resources — whether financial, operational, or organizational — should be used in service of others.

One lesson I’ve carried forward from the corporate world is the importance of transparency and accountability. Just as SEC filings and investor disclosures drive discipline and clarity, I believe nonprofits benefit when they hold themselves to similarly high standards. That approach has guided Direct Relief for decades — and the results speak for themselves.

This year, Charity Navigator again awarded Direct Relief a 100% rating and the organization’s 15th consecutive Four-Star designation — a distinction held by just four organizations in the country. It’s a recognition not simply of financial efficiency, but of trust — the most essential currency in humanitarian work.

The Giving Moment Is Now

Support continues across the Caribbean following Hurricane Melissa, as Direct Relief works with partners, including Hope for Haiti, to reach communities most affected. (Courtesy photo)

There is a line from the interview with The Giving List’s Steven Libowitz that bears repeating:
If people have been waiting for the moment when their giving can have the most influence — that moment is now.

Global challenges are growing faster than public funding can address them. That creates both an opportunity and a responsibility — for nonprofits ready to scale and for individuals looking to make contributions with meaningful impact.

Whether through major philanthropy or a modest donation, whether through volunteering or simply sharing this work with someone else — it matters. All of it matters.

Ending the Year with Hope and Resolve

In these closing weeks of the year, I hope this community finds time for connection, reflection, and generosity of spirit. I believe the real measure of our work — and our lives — is not simply what we do, but whether we did all we could with what we were given.

I’m honored to be on this journey with you, and deeply grateful for all that you make possible.

Warmly,
Amy

Subscribe on LinkedIn

Filed Under: , , , ,

Giving is Good Medicine

You don't have to donate. That's why it's so extraordinary if you do.

Receive Alerts