Direct Relief Commits $25,000, Medical Aid for Georgia Wildfire Response

In response to devastating wildfires in Georgia, Direct Relief today committed $25,000 in emergency financial support and mobilized additional medical aid, including N95 respirators, to support health organizations in fire-impacted communities.

An estimated 120 homes have been destroyed across the state as drought conditions reached extreme levels this month. Direct Relief has been responding with medical aid to Georgia and shipped N95 respirators, donated by 3M, to help communities impacted by smoke and poor air quality.

In addition, Direct Relief is providing $25,000 in emergency operating funds to Coastal Community Health, which experienced direct impacts from the wildfire at two of its locations in Brantley County, where 22,600-acre wildfire has been burning for over a week.

Coastal Community Health is a federally qualified health center providing accessible care to thousands of patients each year, including those who would be unable to afford services otherwise. The health center's locations in Waynesville and Nahunta experienced direct wildfire impacts, including severe smoke damage and staff displacement. The emergency operating grant will support loss of inventory, staff time, and recovery efforts.

Direct Relief has emergency response staff in the region and will also be preparing additional shipments of medical aid in the coming days.

The organization has offered up its medical inventory, which includes medications commonly requested during wildfires, to health centers and clinics in the state.

Direct Relief is communicating with Georgia Emergency Management, the Georgia Primary Care Association, and the Southeast Health District Partnership, as well Florida Primary Care Association on potential medical needs.