Direct Relief Commits $1 Million to the National Association of Community Health Centers, Supporting Care for Underserved People Across the U.S.

Staff at Salud Para La Gente, a health center based in Watsonville, California, use Direct Relief-donated medicines at mobile health outreach in Pajaro, California, after extensive flooding occurred after a levee breach in 2023. Health centers across the U.S. are increasingly called up to respond to disasters in their communities. Direct Relief committed $1 million to the National Association of Community Health Centers this week, and the organization represents health centers across the U.S. as they provide culturally sensitive care to their communities. (Photo courtesy of Salud Para La Gente)

Direct Relief this week announced $1 million in support to Community Health Centers in the U.S. to fund health equity efforts in their communities. The announcement was made in collaboration with NACHC.

Health centers provide access to critical healthcare services by reducing barriers such as cost, lack of insurance, distance, and language for the more than 32.5 million people they serve. The funds from Direct Relief will broadly support initiatives focused on the diversification of the healthcare workforce, elimination of health disparities, and support of technology and/or innovation. 

The announcement was made during the NACHC Partnership Conference in Seattle, Washington, on Nov. 19.

"Health centers are deeply committed to serving patients in culturally sensitive and community-specific ways," said Thomas Tighe, Direct Relief President and CEO. "Dating from their establishment as an outgrowth of the U.S. civil rights movement, they have a long and rich history, which continues to this day, with innovative care that aims to reach all people. Direct Relief is privileged to support their work."

"We are grateful for our longstanding partnership and collaboration with Direct Relief to support community health centers as they carry out their mission to advance health equity as the first and last responders to the nation's emerging public health challenges - hurricanes, wildfires, floods, and a devastating Covid-19 pandemic," said Kyu Rhee, MD, MPP, President and CEO of NACHC. "Direct Relief has been there every step of the way, providing essential medicines, medical supplies, and grants to ensure that health centers can continue their vital mission of care and support."

In addition to this week's funding announcement, Direct Relief has provided more than $870 million worth of medications to more than 1,000 health centers since 2008. Direct Relief has also provided more than $114 million in funding to 600 community health centers. Those funds have supported health centers through disaster preparedness and response, chronic disease management, mental health, women's health, health equity, and resilient power and infrastructure.

Direct Relief has also donated more than 95,000 deliveries of medicines, medical supplies, and over-the-counter items to free clinics and charitable pharmacies across the country, which utilize a volunteer/staff model to provide care to people who are experiencing vulnerabilities.

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