As Severe Storm Threatens Hawai'i, Direct Relief Ready to Respond

Over the past week, Direct Relief has delivered 412 shipments of requested medical aid to 41 U.S. states and territories and 17 countries worldwide. The shipments contained 4.8 million defined daily doses of medication.

Medications and supplies shipped this week included specialty therapies, oncology medications, diabetes management supplies, and more.

Monitoring Kona Storm Across Hawai'i

A seasonal Kona storm began impacting the state of Hawai'i on March 12, bringing strong thunderstorms, damaging winds, and periods of intense rainfall that may lead to flash flooding across the islands. All islands are currently under a flood watch through Saturday afternoon, with elevated river and stream levels reported on O'ahu. Schools and many public offices across O'ahu, Maui, and Kaua'i counties closed Friday as officials urged residents to remain cautious as the storm continues.

Local authorities have opened several shelters on the islands of O'ahu, Maui, and Moloka'i as the slow-moving storm system lingers over the state. Forecasters warn that additional rainfall and strong winds could persist through the weekend as the Kona storm continues to affect the region.

Direct Relief has been in communication with the Hawai'i Primary Care Association, the Hawai'i State Department of Health, and Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition of Hawai'i, a local partner with a strong inter-island network. Direct Relief will continue monitoring the situation as conditions evolve and remains ready to respond to any requests for medical support.

Over the past month, Direct Relief has shipped $112,889 in safety-net medical support to health organizations across Hawai'i.

Medical Supplies Support Patient Care at Liberia's Largest Public Hospital

Direct Relief recently delivered a shipment of essential medicines to John F. Kennedy Medical Center in Monrovia, Liberia, the country's largest public hospital and a critical provider of care for patients across the region.

The shipment included treatments for cardiovascular disease, diabetes, neurological and mental health conditions, thyroid disorders, and other common health concerns treated at the hospital. According to hospital leadership, the medicines will help address growing demand for care, particularly as clinicians report increasing cases of hypertension and diabetes among both adult and younger patient populations.

Hospital officials shared their appreciation following the delivery, noting that the donation strengthens the facility's ability to provide consistent, evidence-based treatment for patients who often face significant financial barriers to accessing care. The medications will be managed by the hospital's clinical and pharmacy teams and distributed across departments supporting routine and specialized treatment services.

Expanding Access for Children Needing Kidney Transplants in Puerto Rico

The Global Humanitarian Kidney Support Initiative, supported by Direct Relief, is helping expand access to life-saving care for children in Puerto Rico. Since the program began, 17 children have received kidney transplants at the Pediatric Hospital in San Juan-a significant increase from the one or two pediatric transplants the hospital previously performed each year.

The hospital operates the only pediatric dialysis center on the island, where children with kidney failure often require dialysis several times per week while awaiting a transplant. Direct Relief helped design and support the transplant initiative to address barriers that have historically limited access to transplant care.

Support has included assistance for families working to meet the $3,000 savings requirement needed to join the transplant waiting list, as well as funding for a Patient Care Coordinator who helps guide families through the complex transplant process. Together, these efforts are helping strengthen the hospital's capacity to provide specialized care for children with severe kidney disease.

Operational Snapshot

UNITED STATES

Direct Relief delivered 366 shipments containing 4 million doses of medication this past week to organizations, including the following:

Around the World

Globally, Direct Relief shipped over 851,011 defined daily doses of medication, totaling 29,495 lbs., to countries including the following:

Year-To-Date

Since January 1, 2026, Direct Relief has delivered 4,310 shipments to 1,399 partner organizations in 53 U.S. states and territories and 54 countries. These shipments contained 63.9 million defined daily doses of medication valued at $352.5 million (wholesale) and totaled 648,954 lbs.

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