As a California-based disaster relief and medical assistance organization, Direct Relief has responded to wildfires in California and throughout the U.S. for decades, and is currently supporting recovery efforts in Los Angeles following devastating fires.
In response to the L.A. fires, Direct Relief provided more than $8 million in financial and material aid in the three months following the fires, including
- 422 shipments totaling more than 54 tons of essential medications and medical supplies delivered to 77 local health and community organizations.
- More than 130,000 3M-donated N95 respirators distributed in collaboration with public health departments, incident command centers, Gap Inc., the YMCA, and numerous health centers and clinics across L.A.
- Nearly 16,000 burn zone re-entry kits distributed through the L.A. Fire Department, L.A. County Department of Public Health, the City of Pasadena, and the National Day Laborer Organizing Network.
- $5.3 million in emergency operating grants awarded to 56 community-based organizations, including health clinics, mobile medical units, women’s health groups, and search-and-rescue teams.
Looking Ahead: Commitment to Long-Term Recovery
Los Angeles communities face a prolonged recovery. The extensive destruction will significantly impact physical and mental health for years, exacerbating chronic diseases, mental health issues, and disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations.
Direct Relief remains committed to sustained support, including:
- Continued medical supply deliveries to clinics and mobile teams.
- Long-term financial support for healthcare and mental health services.
- Community resilience initiatives through preparedness and targeted interventions.