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"It's important to remember the complete story of the humanitarian effortdirected at Myanmar starts with the people and organizations that provide thesupplies that will be used on the ground," says Thomas Tighe, Direct Reliefpresident and CEO. "It's their generous contributions that enable us, and thefield clinics we work with, to help more people."
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Direct Relief is currently planning to airlift more than $200,000 worth ofmedical aid to the region, thanks to contributions from Abbott, Bristol-MyersSquibb, Boehringer Ingelheim, the Johnson & Johnson family of companies,MedVantx, Mylan Laboratories, Midmark and Sappo Hill Soapworks. Also, thanksto a partnership with Google, Direct Relief has collected more than $60,000 incontributions, 100 percent of which will go to provide aid and support forcyclone victims.
As for the corporate partners, it's Direct Relief's unique connections toclinics and field staff in country throughout the world that make it easy forthem to get involved in relief efforts.
"Abbott is working with partners such as Direct Relief to deliverlife-saving medicines and nutritionals needed to meet the urgent health needsof the people of Myanmar," said Cathy Babington, president of Abbott Fund.
Tighe says Direct Relief's Asia program officer is currently on route toThailand to explore logistics avenues and conduct a needs assessment, addingthat the response from Direct Relief's corporate partners has been so greatthat he expects the planned airlift to be the first of many. Included in thisfirst aid package are basic antibiotics as well as needed medical suppliesspecifically requested by health clinic partners in the region.
Direct Relief International provides medical assistance to improve thequality of life for people victimized by poverty, disaster and civil unrest.It is a non-sectarian, non-governmental and entirely privately funded. Allprograms are provided in a non-discriminatory manner, without regard topolitical affiliation, religious belief, or ethnic identity. One hundredpercent of all cash donations go to programs, and not to administration orfundraising. Headquartered in Santa Barbara, California, it was founded in1948.
SOURCE Direct Relief International
