NOTE: I'm updating this post 11/27/13 with the latest update on Direct Relief's website. If you previously joined me in donating, just want to say thanks. I believe we're all in this world together, so it's always good to join hands to help in these kinds of catastrophic situations. Check out Direct Relief's latest update on what the funds are being used for:
Direct Relief’s largest-ever shipment of emergency medicines and medical supplies in its 65-year history arrived early Monday morning in Cebu, Philippines to support partners on the ground who are providing medical care for people affected by Typhoon Haiyan.
The massive air shipment, valued at $5 million, includes enough medicines to treat 250,000 people and was delivered on a charter flight arranged and donated by Direct Relief’s longtime supporter, FedEx. The donations contain antibiotics, I.V. fluids, oral rehydration formula, wound care supplies, pain relievers, surgical instruments, nutritional supplements, hygiene kits, and chronic disease medicines. All of the medical aid was specifically requested by health officials and nongovernmental groups in the Philippines.
These critically needed items will help treat and prevent many of the key health risks observed by Direct Relief’s emergency team on the ground, including: wounds and injuries, waterborne diseases, inadequate hygiene, communicable diseases spread by displacement and overcrowding (such as respiratory infections), malnutrition, and others.
This shipment is the most recent of 12 total emergency deliveries (valued at $9 million) that Direct Relief has sent to the Philippines since Typhoon Haiyan devastated the island nation on Nov. 7, killing more than 5,000 people and leaving hundreds of thousands more displaced.
When I donated immediately after the hurricane, I didn't specify "hurricane relief" (although Direct Relief's website allows specification). I didn't specify because it's generally better when one makes a donation to allow it to be used "wherever needed most." This gives the organization more flexibility and ability to make the most of the funds.
For example, what if there were an earthquake somewhere else in the world? Direct Relief does relief work throughout the world, including here in the U.S. and I support all their efforts.
Of course, the Philippines were hit hard, and the relief effort will continue for some time. I expect additional donations will be used quickly for folks who need help in the continuing relief effort. Hope you'll keep our neighbors in the Philippines and Direct Relief in mind when considering making additional charitable contributions before year's end. ~theodore
For example, what if there were an earthquake somewhere else in the world? Direct Relief does relief work throughout the world, including here in the U.S. and I support all their efforts.
Of course, the Philippines were hit hard, and the relief effort will continue for some time. I expect additional donations will be used quickly for folks who need help in the continuing relief effort. Hope you'll keep our neighbors in the Philippines and Direct Relief in mind when considering making additional charitable contributions before year's end. ~theodore
Haiyan approaching the Philippines (NASA) I made a donation today to help survivors of Super Typhoon Haiyan.
One million people are displaced and 12 million could potentially be affected, according to official estimates. Most of the affected areas are without electricity and communication in an area still suffering the effects of a 7.2 magnitude earthquake which struck less than one month ago.
USA Today reports as many as 10,000 people may be dead.
A NASA update says Super Typhoon Haiyan clocked in as one of the strongest storms ever recorded: "Weather officials in the Philippines reported the storm, known locally as Typhoon Yolanda, came ashore with maximum sustained winds of 147 mph (235 kilometers per hour) and gusts of up to 170 mph (275 miles per hour)."
The primary nonprofit I regularly support, Direct Relief (bookmark directrelief.org) is sending immediate support. Here's a couple of excerpts from Direct Relief's latest update:
One million people are displaced and 12 million could potentially be affected, according to official estimates. Most of the affected areas are without electricity and communication in an area still suffering the effects of a 7.2 magnitude earthquake which struck less than one month ago.
USA Today reports as many as 10,000 people may be dead.
A NASA update says Super Typhoon Haiyan clocked in as one of the strongest storms ever recorded: "Weather officials in the Philippines reported the storm, known locally as Typhoon Yolanda, came ashore with maximum sustained winds of 147 mph (235 kilometers per hour) and gusts of up to 170 mph (275 miles per hour)."
The primary nonprofit I regularly support, Direct Relief (bookmark directrelief.org) is sending immediate support. Here's a couple of excerpts from Direct Relief's latest update:
More than 1.5 tons of emergency medicine and medical supplies – valued at $275,000 – are en route to the Philippines, with more on the way, as Direct Relief’s Emergency Team continues to monitor health-related needs following Super Typhoon Haiyan (locally known as Yolanda) – the most powerful storm to ever make landfall.
Direct Relief is working with its partner in country, Asia America Initiative (AAI), to deliver medical aid, including antibiotics, pain relievers, nutritional supplements, anti-fungal medications, wound dressings and chronic disease medicines.
Direct Relief is also working with Team Rubicon, a disaster response veterans’ service organization, to provide their search and rescue medical response team with portable kits containing products ideal for addressing the needs of displaced flood survivors.
As folks may know from my poetry and novel/series, "The STARLING Connection," I believe we are all directly connected. What happens to one person happens to all people. It's important to be the best neighbors we can be to our fellow human beings, particularly in disaster and emergency situations.
I was glad to donate to Direct Relief's assistance efforts to help survivors of Hurricane Sandy, the tsunami in Japan and others. I hope folks will likewise consider making a donation to help survivors and to support Direct Relief's efforts to provide international assistance. Direct Relief is ranked as a four star charity by Charity Navigator and rated at 99 percent efficient by Forbes.
For the full update about Direct Relief's efforts following Super Typhoon Haiyan, follow this link, http://www.directrelief.org/2013/11/aid-bound-for-philippines-to-help-typhoon-haiyan-surivors
Donate to help survivors: https://secure2.convio.net/dri/site/Donation2?df_id=2105&2105.donation=form1
Theodore Webb is a poet, novelist, short story author and playwright. Webb is the author of the dystopian fiction novels, "Lifeline,” “Crucible,” “Colossus” and “Inferno,” the first four books in “The STARLING Series,"available for ALL DEVICES, smartphone, Kindle, PC, MAC, via Amazon.com. (Note: All four books are available as one volume, titled, "The STARLING Connection.") His short stories are also available online, including "Desperate Engine" on Amazon and "Family Hour" available in ALL digital formats on Smashwords.com. For paper copies of Webb's books, contact the author directly via email: twebb4502@gmail.com.
I was glad to donate to Direct Relief's assistance efforts to help survivors of Hurricane Sandy, the tsunami in Japan and others. I hope folks will likewise consider making a donation to help survivors and to support Direct Relief's efforts to provide international assistance. Direct Relief is ranked as a four star charity by Charity Navigator and rated at 99 percent efficient by Forbes.
For the full update about Direct Relief's efforts following Super Typhoon Haiyan, follow this link, http://www.directrelief.org/2013/11/aid-bound-for-philippines-to-help-typhoon-haiyan-surivors
Donate to help survivors: https://secure2.convio.net/dri/site/Donation2?df_id=2105&2105.donation=form1
Theodore Webb is a poet, novelist, short story author and playwright. Webb is the author of the dystopian fiction novels, "Lifeline,” “Crucible,” “Colossus” and “Inferno,” the first four books in “The STARLING Series,"available for ALL DEVICES, smartphone, Kindle, PC, MAC, via Amazon.com. (Note: All four books are available as one volume, titled, "The STARLING Connection.") His short stories are also available online, including "Desperate Engine" on Amazon and "Family Hour" available in ALL digital formats on Smashwords.com. For paper copies of Webb's books, contact the author directly via email: twebb4502@gmail.com.
