China typically does not solicit foreign aid, and Direct Relief typically does not donate to hospitals. So when the head of the largest hospital in Wuhan, China, got on the phone to ask for supplies from the Goleta-based humanitarian aid organization, Direct Relief President and CEO Thomas Tighe instantly understood the urgency of the coronavirus outbreak.
A medical provider of last resort, Direct Relief has responded to crises caused by disease and disaster from Ebola in West Africa to wildfires right here in California, all the while cementing a reputation for dependable competence. They also warehouse supplies and provide service to Santa Barbara County (as an act of courtesy without a contract).
Since February 1, Direct Relief has delivered 69 shipments of requested medicine and medical supplies — including masks, gowns, gloves, and thermometers — from its own inventory to 27 health-care recipients in Santa Barbara County. In the past two days, it has delivered over 111,000 N95 masks and 1,000 face shields to Cottage Health, as well as 13,000 procedure masks to both Cottage and Marian Regional Health Center.