On this episode of Direct Relief Connect, StephOfAnime, a Pokémon-focused content creator, and Erick Molina, a Program Manager for Latin America at Direct Relief, discuss the Pokémon community, the upcoming Pokéthon event, and the impact of Direct Relief’s work in Latin America. The upcoming Pokéthon event will take place September 3-5.

On this episode of the Direct Relief Connect podcast, Sab Irene, a video game saxophonist and music educator, and Paul Grankowski, Special Events Manager at Direct Relief, discuss personal growth through music and utilizing their skills for new philanthropic opportunities in the digital space. Paul also provides great insight into some lesser-known communities that Direct […]

Graham a.k.a. Tabetai Cooking, a Food & Drink content creator, and Rose Levy, Program Manager for Global Programs at Direct Relief, discuss the joys of creative home cooking and how it can be utilized to raise funds that help community health centers. Cooking livestreams, innovation awards for health centers, and “cooking easy things the hard […]

In the wake of the collapse, a team of clinicians and peer support members, led by Oxnard Fire Chief Alexander Hamilton, were deployed to provide mental health services to search and rescue teams.

Introducing Direct Relief Connect, a new podcast by Direct Relief. The show brings together highly skilled philanthropists and members of Direct Relief’s staff to provide an in-depth look at the organization’s work, as well as give a glimpse into guests’ personal journeys and how they came to support causes they are passionate about. For the […]

While those experiencing homelessness are some of the most vulnerable to Covid-19, the population faces substantial barriers to accessing vaccines. Many lack transportation to get to and from a vaccination site. Others live nomadically, making it difficult to commit to a second vaccine appointment. But according to homelessness activist Tasia Thompson, misinformation is the primary […]

Research suggests other factors at work, beyond diet and exercise. At Centre Volunteers in Medicine in State College, Pennsylvania, providers are integrating mental health services and chronic disease care to help patients better manage their medical conditions.

Getting treatment for an opioid use disorder can be complicated, often requiring daily visits to receive addiction medication under the supervision of a provider. While guidelines have been relaxed to reduce barriers for those seeking care, it’s not clear how effective the changes have been. “Their barriers are huge here,” said Kim Brown, the founder […]

Pediatricians are noting developmental delays as well as potential for long-term health consequences, particularly for children from low-income households.

Chronic conditions require routine care and strict medication regimens, but for millions, transportation stands in the way of accessing timely health care. From rural communities to urban cities, patients struggle to make routine appointments. Some can’t afford a vehicle, others live hours, if not days, from the nearest point of care. The distance–and lack of […]

As the third wave of the Covid-19 pandemic fills hospitals to capacity, mental health providers are seeing a surge of their own. “People are under so much stress,” said Ryoko Chernomaz, a licensed clinical social worker at the San Francisco Free Clinic. Issues at home – from increasing childcare responsibilities to domestic abuse – are […]

New and expectant mothers face unique challenges when seeking treatment for an opioid use disorder. On top of preparing for motherhood, expectant mothers often face barriers to accessing treatment, which typically involves taking safer opioids to reduce dependency over time. The approach is called medication assisted therapy, or MAT, and is a key component in […]

In California, six of the state's ten largest wildfires are currently burning, along with blazes in Oregon, Washington, and Arizona.

Whether in the storm's path or further afield, safety net providers are preparing to keep the lights on and services available.

Rising food insecurity coupled with strained health care systems has created new challenges for those managing diabetes during the Covid-19 pandemic. When food is scarce and meals are inconsistent, people with diabetes may experience extreme blood sugar spikes–or dips–that can lead to heart disease, kidney failure, and even death. In Sudan, where the number of […]

California faces a convergence of public health crises as dozens of wildfires unleash hazardous levels of air pollution across the state. Smoke-laden air has exacerbated conditions, like asthma, while the menace of Covid-19 still looms, mounting a respiratory threat on two fronts. For the more than 650,000 Californians sick with the virus, poor air quality […]

A battery rebate program is designed to help low-income people living in high fire risk areas, and the critical organizations that serve them, navigate future public safety power shutoffs.

While researchers say the coronavirus pandemic is more likely to lead to a baby bust than a baby boom, it’s limiting access to family planning services and contraception. One-third of American women have reportedly delayed or canceled visiting their provider for reproductive health care services or have had trouble getting their birth control, citing concerns […]

In the Navajo Nation — a sovereign territory spanning 27,000 square miles — responding to Covid-19 comes with unique challenges. A third of residents don’t have access to running water. Grocery stores are few and far between. And many must travel hours to reach the nearest hospital. While the nation has the highest case rate […]

With many Americans out of work and struggling financially, managing chronic diseases, like diabetes, may be an afterthought. These health providers are working to change that.