Direct Relief sends medical aid to California storm-affected health facilities

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY, Calif. – Direct Relief hasn’t stopped responding across California since last week’s devastating rainstorms. 

"I don’t think Santa Barbara has seen that amount of water in such a short period of time in gosh decades," said vice president of global programs Damon Taugher of Direct Relief.

This week the local organization is shipping medical aid to to dozens of health clinics across the state.

"These events overwhelm the struts quo and you need a rapid response that’s targeted so that’s what we’ve been trying to do," said president and CEO Thomas Tighe of Direct Relief.

Here in Santa Barbara, the nonprofit is supporting organizations like the Santa Barbara Neighborhood clinics,  Doctors Without Walls and the Santa Barbara County Public Health.

"Now it’s more into the recovery and replenishment phase of the response so making sure our partners have medications and supplies they need," said spokesperson Brea Burkholz of Direct Relief.

"We’re looking to ensure there’s adequate supplies on hand for folks that maybe we’re looking to get prescription filled but couldn’t," said Taugher.

Their main concern is if people can’t access needed care or medications, they may find themselves in a difficult position.

And that’s why Direct Relief is stepping in.

"I just want to make sure we do everything we can locally to help people get through this moment. And it’s always harder for people who have the least," said Tighe.

Some of the supplies Drect Relief is providing include insulin, hypertensive and asthma medication.

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