Direct Relief Commits $1 Million to Free and Charitable Clinics Serving Patients Throughout the U.S.

Direct Relief last month announced $1 million in support to free and charitable clinics in the U.S. to fund health equity efforts in their communities. The announcement was made in collaboration with the National Association for Free and Charitable Clinics, or NAFC, an organization that represents more than 1,400 free and charitable clinics and pharmacies treating medically underserved patients.

The funds will broadly support initiatives focused on diversification of the healthcare workforce, elimination of health disparities, and support of technology and/or innovation.The announcement was made during this NAFC Charitable Healthcare Symposium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Sept. 30.

"Direct Relief is privileged to support the free and charitable clinics across the U.S. caring for patients with few options, and who can end up in medical crisis without consistent medical services," said Thomas Tighe, CEO of Direct Relief. "NAFC has been a longstanding partner of Direct Relief, and these funds will serve as a force multiplier to allow them to do even more for the clinics they represent, which translate to more patients reached."

"We are extremely grateful for Direct Relief's ongoing commitment to the NAFC, our members, and the patients we serve," said Nicole Lamoureux, President & CEO of NAFC. "It is through the steadfast dedication and generosity of partners like Direct Relief that we are able to continue building healthy communities for all through quality, equitable, accessible healthcare."

In addition to last month's funding announcement, Direct Relief has provided more than $1.3 billion worth of medications to 800 free & charitable clinics and charitable pharmacies since 2009. Medicines, medical supplies, and over-the-counter items donated by Direct Relief have pulsed from Direct Relief's warehouse to free clinics and charitable pharmacies via 95,800 deliveries during that time

Direct Relief has also provided more than $17 million in funding to 86 free & charitable clinics and pharmacies. Those funds have supported clinics through disaster preparedness and response, chronic disease management, mental health, women's health, health equity, and resilient power and infrastructure.