Direct Relief, a 77-year-old charity organisation, has begun to provide post-Hurricane Melissa relief assistance to Jamaicans.

One of the largest charities in America, Direct Relief has worked to help people who confront enormous hardship to recover from disasters and improve the quality of their lives. The tradition of direct and targeted assistance, provided in a manner that respects and involves the people served, has been a hallmark of the organisation since its founding.

On the weekend, pallets of critical medical supplies, valued at roughly US$1 million, were being prepared for shipment to the Ministry of Health and Wellness from Direct Relief’s Santa Barbara warehouse. Included among the shipment are antibiotics, insulin, vaccines, and protective equipment, among other requested aid.

Genevieve Bitter Vice President of Program Operations – Direct Relief

Genevieve Bitter, the vice president of programme operations at Direct Relief, told Observer Online on Sunday that her organisation has had a long-standing relationship with Jamaica.

“Direct Relief has been working in Jamaica for 20 years and we have sent more than 160 shipments of humanitarian medical aid valued at over US$75 million,” said Bitter, who also added, “We work closely with the Ministry of Health and Wellness to address certain gaps in healthcare with prescription drugs and hospital supplies. We have sent items in Jamaica within the last month and on Sunday, we shipped items for hygiene to Jamaica.”

Additional supplies will arrive this weekend.

“We have supplies coming into Jamaica by airplane on November 8 which will include among other items, diabetes medicines and supplies, mental health related supplies, oral hydration solutions, insect replants, cough and cold medicines and tents,” Bitter disclosed.

Direct Relief staff are now on the ground in Jamaica to assess needs and coordinate response activities with the Ministry of Health, PAHO, and local partners.