Direct Relief International is a non-profit, non-sectarian humanitarian assistance that for 56 years has provided medical material assistance in the form of pharmaceuticals, supplies, and new and refurbished medical equipment to over 3,000 charitable health facilities worldwide and within the United States. In 2004, the organization provided more than $122 million (wholesale value) in medicines, supplies and equipment to health projects in 54 countries, enough provisions to keep hundreds of local health professionals and clinics productively engaged and provide full courses of medical treatment for over 20 million people.

Direct Relief International is partnering with community and free clinics in the hurricane affected areas to provide medical assistance with an initial $250,000 in cash, and access to medical inventories valued at nearly $35 million (wholesale). The Union has also supported Direct Relief International’s Tsunami relief efforts.

For more information on Direct Relief International, please visit their Website at www.directrelief.org.