Direct Relief is a humanitarian aid organization established in 1948 by refugee war immigrants to the U.S. Direct Relief improves people’s health and lives not only in all 50 American states but also in more than 80 countries worldwide. Direct Relief’s programs are developed in response to crises caused by poverty and emergencies and aim to provide direct and targeted assistance to the most vulnerable populations. In the U.S., Direct Relief operates the largest charitable medicine program.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Direct Relief has supported 55 U.S. states and territories and 100 countries in need by distributing essential resources. Thanks to its global distribution infrastructure and financial resources, Direct Relief is able to make emergency deliveries of protective gear, medications, and emergency funding to the medical facilities in the U.S. and across the world. By far (as of 11^th May, 2021), $77,700,000 in cash funding has been disbursed, 37,000 emergency aid shipments have been delivered, 4,483 tons of PPE and other medical resources have been provided, including 77 million masks, 3 million face shields, 15 million gloves, and 2 million gowns and coveralls.

In addition to distributing critical resources, the research team at Direct Relief also produces educational information and analysis tools in order to inform its efforts and those of policymakers. Their research results include tools that predict coronavirus transmission and inform the effectiveness of recommended safety measures, such as social distancing.

Learn more about and make a donation to Direct Relief’s COVID-19 initiative at https://www.directrelief.org/emergency/coronavirus-outbreak/.