Direct Relief Rushes Lifesaving Aid to Storm-Struck Jamaica
Patricia Martellotti
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – It’s a busy week at Direct Relief.
Staff are packing life-saving supplies for Jamaica—right now.
“Category five hurricane that went through the Caribbean and straight through Jamaica really affected communities from the south to the west to the north,” said vice president of program operations Genevieve Bitter of Direct Relief.
The shipments are headed to Jamaica’s Ministry of Health, where blocked roads and shattered hospitals are slowing recovery.
Communities remain cut off after Hurricane Melissa—no power, no clean water, no way to reach a hospital.
“There are hundreds of thousands of people in Jamaica with diabetes who need insulin. If pharmacies are closed and they’re out, they could spiral into a life-threatening crisis in just days,” said vice president of communications Tony Morain of Direct Relief.
Direct Relief is loading a cargo plane with enough medicine to treat thousands.
Some supplies have already shipped—more leave in the coming days.
“And then, in addition to the emergency supplies, it’s a range of chronic disease medication antibiotics that were requested by Jamaica’s Ministry of health,” said Morain.
“My hope is people don’t look away. They see this crisis and want to be part of the solution,” said Bitter.
For patients who depend on daily meds, these aren’t just supplies—they’re a lifeline.
Direct Relief plans additional shipments as long as the need remains.
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