Direct Relief

In 1945, William Zimdin, an Estonian immigrant to the United States and businessman, began sending thousands of relief parcels to relatives, friends, and former employees in Europe to help with the aftermath of World War II.{{Cite news |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2002-may-19-me-gdturns19-story.html|title=A Medical Supplier Without Borders|date=May 19, 2002|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|access-date=September 20, 2019}}{{Cite web|url=http://kennyslaught.com/direct-relief-community-located-santa-barbara/|title=A Direct Relief to the Community Located in Santa Barbara|date=November 20, 2016|author=Kenny Slaught|access-date=September 20, 2019}} In 1948, Zimdin formalized his efforts with the establishment of the William Zimdin Foundation. Dezso Karczag, a Hungarian Jewish immigrant, assumed management of the foundation following Zimdin's death in 1951. Karczag changed the organization's name to Direct Relief Foundation in 1957.{{cite news|last1=Martelle|first1=Scott|title=A Medical Supplier Without Borders|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2002-may-19-me-gdturns19-story.html|access-date=November 8, 2014|work=Los Angeles Times|date=May 19, 2002|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141220160006/http://articles.latimes.com/2002/may/19/local/me-gdturns19|archive-date=December 20, 2014|url-status=live}}

In the early 1960s, the foundation refined its mission to serve disadvantaged populations in medically underserved communities around the world. To assist with this effort, Direct Relief became licensed as a wholesale pharmacy in 1962 to be able to provide prescription medicines.{{Cite web|title=Member Spotlight: Direct Relief|url=https://www.world-heart-federation.org/member-spotlight/member-spotlight-direct-relief/|access-date=December 29, 2020|website=World Heart Federation}} During this time, the organization also supported victims of natural disasters in the US and homeless populations in Santa Barbara, California.{{Cite web|title=Guide to the Dezso Karczag Papers|url=https://oac.cdlib.org/findaid/ark:/13030/kt0j49r6t9/|access-date=December 29, 2020|publisher=Online Archive of California}} The foundation assumed the name Direct Relief International in 1982.{{cite news|last1=Meagher|first1=Chris|title=Direct Relief Drops 'International' from Name|url=http://www.independent.com/news/2013/jun/21/direct-relief-drops-international-name/|access-date=November 7, 2014|work=The Santa Barbara Independent|date=June 21, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141108062106/http://www.independent.com/news/2013/jun/21/direct-relief-drops-international-name/|archive-date=November 8, 2014|url-status=live}}

In 2004, the Direct Relief provided almost $122 million in medical aid to 54 countries.{{Cite web|last=Candid|title=Direct Relief International|url=http://philanthropynewsdigest.org/npo-spotlight/direct-relief-international|access-date=November 25, 2020|website=Philanthropy News Digest}} The same year, the organization assisted Sri Ramakrishna Math and GlaxoSmithKline with designing and implementing a one-year nurse assistant training program in India. The program was launched to empower young women in districts affected by the Indian Ocean tsunami. By 2019, over 1,200 nurses had graduated.{{Cite book|last1=Thilakavathy|first1=M.|title=Facets of Contemporary History|last2=May|first2=R.K.|publisher=MJP Publisher|year=2019|pages=234}}

In 2011, Direct Relief Women, a volunteer branch of the nonprofit, was created, and held its first fundraiser for Direct Relief International.{{Cite web |last=Butkovich |first=Gina |title='We feel a responsibility to give back': 76 tons of medical supplies heading to Ukraine |url=https://www.commercialappeal.com/story/news/2022/03/26/ukraine-receive-76-tons-medical-supplies-wake-war-russia/7140660001/ |access-date=November 15, 2024 |website=The Commercial Appeal}} All money raised went toward providing safe births around the world.{{Cite web|author=Staff Report|title=Direct Relief International event has a Valley link|url=https://syvnews.com/lifestyles/direct-relief-international-event-has-a-valley-link/article_5965bba2-80df-11e0-b5a4-001cc4c03286.html|access-date=November 17, 2020|website=Santa Ynez Valley News|date=May 19, 2011 }} In 2013, Direct Relief International assumed the name Direct Relief.

After raising $3,300 for the American Cancer Society through a partnership with Direct Relief in 2016, Matthew Moffit and Direct Relief produced Zeldathon (playing Legend of Zelda for 36 hours straight) and formed Direct Relief Gaming, which has raised $14.1M since its inception and partnered with organizations such as Humble Bundle and Bungie.{{Cite web|date=December 3, 2018|title=How Nonprofits Are Reaching Younger Donors Through Livestream Fundraising|url=https://www.philanthropy.com/article/How-Nonprofits-Are-Reaching/245240/|access-date=December 20, 2018|website=The Chronicle of Philanthropy}}{{Cite web |date=June 9, 2016 |title=Direct Relief Gaming |url=https://www.directrelief.org/get-involved/gaming/ |access-date=July 20, 2022 |website=Direct Relief}}

In 2018, Direct Relief provided about $1.2 billion worth of wholesale materials to health centers in over 100 countries.{{Cite web |last=Paynter |first=Ben |date=January 4, 2019 |title=A year of disaster relief shows how important cash is in helping to rebuild |url=https://www.fastcompany.com/90288044/a-year-of-disaster-relief-shows-how-important-cash-in-helping-to-rebuild |website=Fast Company}} The organization also donated approximately $23.5 million to support the operations of health groups, including hiring more staff and converting buildings to solar energy and battery backup microgrids to better withstand disasters. 2018 was also the year that Direct Relief opened a division in Puerto Rico.{{Cite web |last=Journal |first=Giovanna Garofalo, The Weekly |date=September 29, 2021 |title=Direct Relief Puerto Rico Marks Three Years on the Island |url=https://www.theweeklyjournal.com/business/direct-relief-puerto-rico-marks-three-years-on-the-island/article_4dd864da-2091-11ec-b574-2782b24d7a21.html |access-date=December 3, 2024 |website=The Weekly Journal}}

In 2022, Ukraine was the largest recipient country of Direct Relief's assistance. Overall that year, the nonprofit provided more than $2 billion in medical aid and $58.2 million in financial assistance to providers and organizations in 98 countries and 52 U.S. states and territories.{{Cite web |last=Fausey |first=Callie |date=December 31, 2022 |title=Direct Relief Grants $7.9M in Medical Aid to Ukraine |url=https://www.independent.com/2022/12/31/direct-relief-grants-7-9m-in-medical-aid-to-ukraine/ |access-date=December 20, 2024 |website=The Santa Barbara Independent}}

On November 21, 2023, Direct Relief announced it had donated and delivered more than $2 billion in medicine and other medical supplies since 2008 to the U.S. healthcare system. More than half went to community health centers that provide care in medically underserved communities.

In July 2024, Direct Relief's president and CEO, Thomas Tighe, announced his retirement. Under his leadership, the nonprofit provided more than $16 billion in aid and more than $350 million in grants to health organizations.{{Cite web |date=July 31, 2024 |title=Non-profit giant stepping down: Thomas Tighe leaving Santa Barbara-based Direct Relief |url=https://www.kclu.org/2024-07-30/non-profit-giant-stepping-down-thomas-tighe-leaving-santa-barbara-based-direct-relief |access-date=December 13, 2024 |website=KCLU}}

In March 2025, Direct Relief hired former Salesforce CFO Amy Weaver, as their new CEO.{{Cite web |last=Hinchliffe |first=Emma |title=Salesforce CFO Amy Weaver will be Direct Relief CEO |url=https://fortune.com/2025/03/07/salesforce-cfo-amy-weaver-direct-relief-ceo-charity/ |access-date=May 14, 2025 |website=Fortune}}{{Cite web |last=Mercado |first=Jorge |date=May 6, 2025 |title=Amy Weaver officially steps into CEO role at Direct Relief {{!}} Pacific Coast Business Times |url=https://www.pacbiztimes.com/2025/05/06/amy-weaver-officially-steps-in-ceo-role-at-direct-relief/ |access-date=May 14, 2025 |website=Pacific Coast Times}}

Between 2000 and 2014, the Direct Relief's operating budget averaged roughly $11 million per year.{{cite news|last1=Brumback|first1=Elijah|title=The Business of Aid: Direct Relief Adopts a Corporate Strategy|url=http://www.pacbiztimes.com/2014/11/07/the-business-of-aid-direct-relief-adapts-corporate-strategy/|access-date=November 11, 2014|work=Pacific Coast Business Times|date=November 7, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141111230546/http://www.pacbiztimes.com/2014/11/07/the-business-of-aid-direct-relief-adapts-corporate-strategy/|archive-date=November 11, 2014|url-status=live}} Over the same period, it reported delivering more than $1.6 billion in medical resources and supplies worldwide.{{cite web|last1=Wood|first1=Max|title=28 Worthy Charities and Causes|url=http://au.askmen.com/entertainment/better_look/28-worthy-charities-and-causes-3.html|website=Askmen|access-date=November 11, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141111220904/http://au.askmen.com/entertainment/better_look/28-worthy-charities-and-causes-3.html|archive-date=November 11, 2014|url-status=live}} Medical supplies come largely through in-kind donations by hundreds of pharmaceutical manufacturers.{{Cite web|url=https://www.guidestar.org/profile/95-1831116|title=Direct Relief|website=Guidestar|access-date=September 20, 2019}}

The organization manages logistics and distribution through enterprise systems that include SAP, Esri, and in-kind transportation support from FedEx.{{cite news|last1=Carr|first1=David|title=Hurricane Arthur Vs. Data Visualization: Supplies Riddle|url=http://www.informationweek.com/government/leadership/hurricane-arthur-vs-data-visualization-supplies-riddle/d/d-id/1279125|access-date=November 11, 2014|website=InformationWeek|date=July 3, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141110034413/http://www.informationweek.com/government/leadership/hurricane-arthur-vs-data-visualization-supplies-riddle/d/d-id/1279125|archive-date=November 10, 2014|url-status=live}}

In 2019, Direct Relief opened a new Santa Barbara warehouse and distribution headquarters.{{Cite web|url=https://www.enr.com/articles/47681-direct-relief-manufacturing|title=Direct Relief: Manufacturing|website=Engineering News-Record|access-date=November 14, 2019}} The new building is 155,000-square-feet, earthquake-safe, and outfitted with state-of-the-art distribution technology for medical supplies.{{Cite web|url=https://www.noozhawk.com/article/direct_relief_new_headquarters_santa_barbara|title=New Facility Will Help Direct Relief 'Do More Good in the World'|last=Holl|first=Brooke|website=Noozhawk|date=February 2019 |access-date=November 22, 2019}} Direct Relief partnered with Tesla to create a microgrid power supply for the building.{{Cite web|url=https://www.fastcompany.com/90288044/a-year-of-disaster-relief-shows-how-important-cash-in-helping-to-rebuild|title=A year of disaster relief shows how important cash is in helping to rebuild|last=Paynter|first=Ben|date=January 4, 2019|website=Fast Company|access-date=January 25, 2019}} Solar panels are integrated with battery storage and generators to keep the headquarters running for up to six months in the face of a disaster and to store temperature-sensitive medications like insulin and vaccines.

Direct Relief partners with over 1,000 Federally Qualified Health Centers in medically underserved American communities. These partnerships last an average of nine years.

File:Hurricane Dorian - Emergency Update.webm in 2019]]

• Hurricane Katrina (2005): Direct Relief provided care to more than 37,170 evacuees and started their Hurricane Preparedness program after Hurricane Katrina occurred.{{Cite web|url=https://www.keyt.com/news/santa-barbara-s-county/direct-relief-in-florida-as-hurricane-irma-makes-landfall/618611636|title=Direct Relief in Florida as Hurricane Irma makes landfall|last=Martinez|first=Alys|date=September 10, 2017|website=KEYT|access-date=January 29, 2019|archive-date=April 22, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190422055543/https://www.keyt.com/news/santa-barbara-s-county/direct-relief-in-florida-as-hurricane-irma-makes-landfall/618611636|url-status=dead}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.directrelief.org/emergency/hurricane-katrina/|title=Hurricane Katrina|date=April 25, 2018|publisher=Direct Relief|access-date=January 29, 2019}}
• Hurricane Ike (2008): Hurricane Ike displaced over 100,000 people in 2008. Direct Relief provided over $1.1 million in hurricane emergency aid as of September 20, 2008. The shipments contained medicines and hygienic supplies.{{Cite web|url=https://m.reliefweb.int/report/280439|title=USA: Additional medical aid set for arrival at clinics, shelters Tuesday {{!}} ReliefWeb Mobile|website=m.reliefweb.int|access-date=August 29, 2019}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.bustle.com/p/how-to-support-hurricane-harvey-victims-from-anywhere-in-the-world-79174|title=7 Organizations You Can Donate to Right Now to Help Hurricane Harvey Victims|website=Bustle|date=August 26, 2017 |access-date=August 29, 2019}}
• Hurricane Gustav (2008): Direct Relief committed $250,000 in hurricane response funds to assist nonprofit clinics, community health centers, and alternate care sites, working with the National Association of Community Health Centers and State Primary Care Associations in the Gulf.{{Cite web|url=https://www.directrelief.org/2008/09/direct-relief-makes-25000-available-u-s-gulf-coasts-medical-safety-net/|title=Direct Relief Makes $250,00 Available to U.S. Gulf Coast's Medical "Safety Net"|last=Hutain|first=Jenny|date=September 1, 2008|publisher=Direct Relief|access-date=April 5, 2019}}
• Hurricane Irene (2011): Direct Relief worked closely with Merck to make tetanus vaccines available to clinics and community health centers affected by Hurricane Irene.{{Cite web|url=https://www.directrelief.org/2011/09/direct-relief-delivering-urgently-needed-medical-aid/|title=Delivering Urgently Needed Medical Aid to Rutland Flood Victims|last=Hutain|first=Jenny|date=September 7, 2011|publisher=Direct Relief|access-date=April 11, 2019}} The organization also collaborated with the National Association of Community Health Centers, the North Carolina Community Health Center Association, the Bi-State Primary Care Association, and the Vermont Coalition of Clinics for the Uninsured to offer assistance to people affected by Irene.{{Cite web|url=https://www.directrelief.org/2011/08/direct-relief-reaching-out-vermont-partners-affected-irene-flooding/|title=Reaching Out to Vermont Partners Affected by Irene|last=Hutain|first=Jenny|date=August 31, 2011|publisher=Direct Relief|access-date=April 11, 2019}}
• Hurricane Sandy (2012): Direct Relief provided medical supplies to community clinics, nonprofit health centers, and other groups in areas affected by Hurricane Sandy, as well as mapping pharmacies, gas stations, and other facilities that remained in the New York City area despite power outages.{{cite web|url=http://www.noozhawk.com/article/direct_relief_disaster_mapping_technology_20131011|title=Mapping Technology Helps Direct Relief Pinpoint Its Assistance One Disaster at a Time|author=Gina Potthoff|date=October 13, 2013|work=Noozhawk|publisher=Malamute Ventures LLC|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518090246/http://www.noozhawk.com/article/direct_relief_disaster_mapping_technology_20131011|archive-date=May 18, 2015|url-status=live|access-date=May 13, 2015}}
• Hurricane Matthew (2016): Direct Relief sent 16.7 tons of medicine and medical supplies via a donated FedEx plane to distribute in hospitals throughout the US.{{Cite web|url=https://www.crowdrise.com/direct-relief-hurricane-matthew-relief/fundraiser/DirectRelief|title=Click here to support Direct Relief – Hurricane Matthew Relief by Direct Relief|website=CrowdRise|access-date=June 21, 2019}}
• Hurricane Harvey (2017): Direct Relief provided funding and emergency supplies to Texas community health centers.{{Cite web|url=https://www.pacbiztimes.com/2017/08/28/direct-relief-offers-help-to-hurricane-harvey-victims/|title=Direct Relief offers help to Hurricane Harvey victims|date=August 28, 2017|website=Pacific Coast Business Times|access-date=February 21, 2019}}
• Hurricane Irma (2017): Direct Relief coordinated with more than seventy healthcare partners in Florida and Puerto Rico, including the Florida Association of Community Health Centers and the Asociación de Salud Primaria de Puerto Rico, to support existing nonprofit community clinics and health centers.{{Cite web|url=https://www.brightfunds.org/stories/hurricane-irma-update-direct-relief|title=Hurricane Irma Update {{!}} Direct Relief {{!}} Bright Funds|website=brightfunds.org|access-date=March 27, 2019}}
• Hurricane Maria (2017): Between 2017 and 2018, Direct Relief provided $70.2M in medical aid for hurricane relief.{{Cite web|url=https://www.newkerala.com/news/read/81246/direct-relief-tops-2018-charity-ratings-and-recommendations.html|title=Direct Relief Tops 2018 Charity Ratings and Recommendations|website=newkerala.com|access-date=January 4, 2019}}
• Hurricane Florence (2018): Direct Relief committed an initial $200K in cash and made its medical inventory available for emergencies occurring on the US East Coast.{{Cite web|url=https://finance.yahoo.com/news/hurricane-florence-direct-relief-commits-100000713.html|title=Hurricane Florence: Direct Relief Commits $200,000 in Emergency Funding, Makes Available $100 Million in Medicine and Supplies to Aid Response|website=finance.yahoo.com|access-date=March 6, 2019}}{{Cite web|url=https://pilotonline.com/inside-business/special-reports/health-care-heroes/article_c10c62c4-3932-11e9-8270-a7f0da846b0a.html|title=Patti Montes and the Sentara Kinston Team {{!}} 2019 Health Care Hero for emergency response|last=Lamm|first=Linda|website=Virginian-Pilot|access-date=March 6, 2019|archive-date=March 6, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190306235302/https://pilotonline.com/inside-business/special-reports/health-care-heroes/article_c10c62c4-3932-11e9-8270-a7f0da846b0a.html|url-status=dead}}
• Hurricane Dorian (2019): Direct Relief delivered medical aid and emergency supplies to affected areas in the Bahamas.{{Cite web|url=http://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/national-international/How-to-Help-Hurricane-Dorian-Victims-559260561.html|title=How to Help the Bahamas After Hurricane Dorian|last=Chamberlain|first=Maria|website=NBC New York|date=September 3, 2019 |access-date=September 13, 2019}}
• Hurricane Laura (2020): Direct Relief worked with more than 80 partner health facilities in Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida, and coordinated care efforts with primary care associations and free clinics ahead of Hurricane Laura.{{Cite web |last=Leonhardt |first=Megan |date=August 28, 2020 |title=How to help those affected by Hurricane Laura |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2020/08/28/how-to-help-those-affected-by-hurricane-laura.html |access-date=February 7, 2025 |website=CNBC}}
• Hurricane Delta (2020): Direct Relief provided medical aid for communities affected by the storm.{{Cite web |last=Lee |first=Lauren |date=October 10, 2020 |title=Hurricane Delta slams the Gulf Coast. Here is how you can help |url=https://www.cnn.com/2020/10/10/us/how-to-help-hurricane-delta-iyw-trnd/index.html |access-date=February 7, 2025 |website=CNN}}
• Hurricane Ida (2021): Direct Relief helped to replace supplies that were ruined due to floodwaters in clinics and pharmacies. The nonprofit sent shipments of prescription medications, emergency medical backpacks, and power options to clinics in Louisiana, Mississippi, and New York.{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=September 4, 2021 |title=Santa Barbara-based nonprofit Direct Relief helps Hurricane Ida victims |url=https://keyt.com/lifestyle/2021/09/03/santa-barbara-based-nonprofit-direct-relief-helps-hurricane-ida-victims/ |access-date=February 7, 2025 |website=News Channel 3-12}}
• Hurricane Fiona (2022): Direct Relief was the largest non-governmental organization to donat medical supplies to healthcare providers in Puerto Rico at the time of the hurricane.{{Cite web |date=September 19, 2022 |title=How to help victims of Hurricane Fiona in Puerto Rico |url=https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/how-to-help-victims-of-hurricane-fiona-in-puerto-rico |access-date=February 13, 2025 |website=PBS News}}
• Hurricane Ian (2022): Direct Relief committed an initial $1 million in funding for relief efforts.{{Cite web |last=Reeve-Parker |first=Nicole |date=October 3, 2022 |title=Hurricane Ian: How to Help |url=https://hr.uw.edu/cfd/2022/10/03/hurricane-ian-how-to-help/ |access-date=February 13, 2025 |website=UW Combined Fund Drive}} The nonprofit provided multiple shipments of medical aid to health facilities across Florida, South Carolina, Georgia, and the Gulf Coast region.{{Cite web |last=Martellotti |first=Patricia |date=October 1, 2022 |title=Direct Relief sends aid to Florida as Hurricane Ian makes landfall |url=https://keyt.com/lifestyle/2022/09/30/direct-relief-sends-aid-to-florida-as-hurricane-ian-makes-landfall/ |access-date=February 13, 2025 |website=News Channel 3-12}}
• Hurricane Otis (2023): Direct Relief provided $200,000 in financial support to different organizations offering emergency services. This included Medical Impact, a Mexico-based nonprofit.{{Cite web |agency=Associated Press |date=March 5, 2024 |title=V-J Day 'Kiss' photo stays on display as VA head reverses department memo that would've banned it |url=https://keyt.com/news/2024/03/05/v-j-day-kiss-photo-stays-on-display-as-va-head-reverses-department-memo-that-wouldve-banned-it/ |access-date=February 13, 2025 |website=News Channel 3-12}}
• Hurricane Helene (2024): After flooding from the hurricane disrupted nests of stinging insects, many people allergic to stings required medication to protect themselves. Direct Relief provided more than 2,000 EpiPen injections to community health centers, clinics, and pharmacies across western North Carolina.{{Cite web |date=October 4, 2024 |title=North Carolina is distributing Benadryl and EpiPens as yellow jackets swarm from Helene flooding |url=https://apnews.com/article/helene-north-carolina-hurricane-bees-sting-epipen-0bc9e21317996a2b8a7b719e790b36f6 |access-date=February 13, 2025 |website=AP News}}{{Cite web |last=Palminteri |first=John |date=October 1, 2024 |title=Urgent aid to Hurricane Helene victims coming from Santa Barbara's Direct Relief |url=https://keyt.com/news/santa-barbara-s-county/2024/09/30/urgent-aid-to-hurricane-helene-victims-coming-from-santa-barbaras-direct-relief/ |access-date=April 16, 2025 |website=News Channel 3-12}}
• Hurricane Milton (2024): Direct Relief was one of the organizations providing support after Hurricane Milton hit.{{Cite web |date=October 10, 2024 |title=Here's how to help victims of Hurricane Milton |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/weather/hurricanes/help-victims-hurricane-milton-rcna174658 |access-date=December 13, 2024 |website=NBC News}} This included sending resources to hospitals, providing medical supplies to clinics, and helping to pay healthcare workers' salaries.{{Cite web |date=October 11, 2024 |title=How to help people affected by Hurricane Milton |url=https://www.today.com/news/help-hurricane-milton-victims-rcna174761 |access-date=April 10, 2025 |website=TODAY.com}}

• Pakistan earthquake (2005): Direct Relief provided over $14 million in assistance to local partners to help rebuild healthcare infrastructure.{{Cite web|url=https://reliefweb.int/report/pakistan/pakistan-earthquake-situation-report-8-oct-2005|title=Pakistan Earthquake Situation Report 8 Oct 2005 – Pakistan|website=Relief Web|date=October 8, 2005 |access-date=August 9, 2019}}
• Peru earthquake (2007): Direct Relief worked with FedEx and donated 32 cartons of aid worth about $100K to earthquake victims in Peru.{{Cite web|url=https://about.van.fedex.com/newsroom/fedex-assists-peru-earthquake-victims-with-pan-regional-relief-effort/|title=FedEx Assists Peru Earthquake Victims with Pan-Regional Relief Effort|website=About FedEx|access-date=May 17, 2019|archive-date=May 17, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190517142958/https://about.van.fedex.com/newsroom/fedex-assists-peru-earthquake-victims-with-pan-regional-relief-effort/|url-status=dead}}
• Haiti earthquake (2010): Direct Relief provided $57 million in emergency medical assistance.{{cite web|url=http://www.esri.com/library/casestudies/haiti-relief.pdf|title=Interactive Map Helps Speed Aid to Haiti|date=2014|work=Case Study|publisher=Esri|pages=1|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150608061842/http://www.esri.com/library/casestudies/haiti-relief.pdf|archive-date=June 8, 2015|url-status=live|access-date=May 13, 2015}}
• Nepal earthquake (2015): Direct Relief delivered over 6.2 million doses of daily medication to earthquake survivors.{{cite web | url=http://www.bizjournals.com/memphis/news/2015/05/11/fedex-delivers-nonprofit-relief-supplies-to-nepal.html | title=FedEx delivers nonprofit relief supplies to Nepal | publisher=FedEx | work=Nepal Earthquake Response | date=May 11, 2015 | access-date=May 13, 2015 | author=Michelle Corbet | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518122354/http://www.bizjournals.com/memphis/news/2015/05/11/fedex-delivers-nonprofit-relief-supplies-to-nepal.html | archive-date=May 18, 2015 | url-status=live }}
• Mexico earthquake (2017): Following the 7.1 magnitude earthquake, Direct Relief provided emergency supplies to a trauma hospital in Mexico City.{{Cite web|url=https://www.brightfunds.org/stories/responding-to-the-earthquake-in-mexico|title=Responding to the Earthquake in Mexico |website=Bright Funds|access-date=March 14, 2019}}
• Indonesia earthquake (2019): Direct Relief made its inventory of $30 million in medicines and supplies readily available to earthquake survivors.{{Cite press release|url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/emergency-supply-cache-from-direct-relief-to-aid-indonesian-tsunami-survivors-300723063.html|title=Emergency Supply Cache from Direct Relief to Aid Indonesian Tsunami Survivors|website=PR Newswire|access-date=January 31, 2019}}
• Japan earthquake & tsunami (2011): The magnitude 9 Tōhoku earthquake led to over 16,000 deaths. After the disaster, Direct Relief and the Japanese American Citizens League established the Japan Relief and Recovery Fund.{{Cite web|url=https://blog.givewell.org/2011/03/11/japan-earthquaketsunami-disaster-relief-donations/|title=Japan earthquake/tsunami relief donations|last=Holden|date=March 11, 2011|website=The GiveWell Blog|access-date=June 14, 2019}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.uschamberfoundation.org/corporate-citizenship-center/corporate-aid-tracker-japanese-earthquake-and-tsunami-march-2011|title=Corporate Aid Tracker – Japanese Earthquake and Tsunami, March 2011|last=importer|date=October 31, 2011|publisher=U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation|access-date=June 14, 2019}}
• Puerto Rico earthquake (2020): In January 2020, Puerto Rico experienced a 6.4 magnitude earthquake, its most powerful in more than a century.{{Cite web |last=Carrillo |first=Sharon |date=January 9, 2020 |title=Direct Relief sends aid to help Puerto Rico after earthquakes |url=https://keyt.com/news/2020/01/08/direct-relief-sends-aid-to-help-puerto-rico-after-earthquakes/ |access-date=April 10, 2025 |website=News Channel 3-12}}
• Turkey–Syria earthquake (2023): After a 7.8 magnitude earthquake, Direct Relief donated $200,000 to the Syrian American Medical Society (SAMS) and AKUT. SAMS operates health facilities in northwest Syria, and AKUT is a Turkish non-governmental disaster search and relief organization.{{Cite web |title=International Humanitarian Groups Look at Longterm Fundraising to Deliver Aid in Syria and Turkiye |url=https://www.milwaukeeindependent.com/newswire/international-humanitarian-groups-look-longterm-fundraising-deliver-aid-syria-turkiye/ |website=Milwaukee Independent|date=February 21, 2023 }}{{Cite web |date=February 11, 2023 |title=Fundraisers for Syria, Turkey earthquake try to deliver aid |url=https://apnews.com/article/politics-syria-government-turkey-business-435d133d501e350a2e518623824afbf6 |access-date=February 28, 2023 |website=AP News}}{{Cite web |last=Gillies |first=Andrew |date=February 6, 2023 |title=Direct Relief commits $200,000 to affiliated aid groups in Turkey and Syria after Feb. 5 earthquakes |url=https://keyt.com/lifestyle/2023/02/06/direct-relief-commits-200000-to-affiliated-aid-groups-in-turkey-and-syria-after-feb-5-earthquakes/ |access-date=February 25, 2025 |website=News Channel 3-12}}

• Guatemala – Volcán de Fuego (2018): Direct Relief coordinated with the Pan American Health Organization, local partners, and pharmaceutical companies to provide aid to those displaced and injured by the volcanic blasts. Medical staff had immediate access to medical inventory for emergency response.{{Cite web|url=http://www.humanitariannews.org/20180610/guatemala-response-continues-guatemala-following-deadly-volcano-blast|title=Guatemala: Response Continues in Guatemala Following Deadly Volcano Blast|website=Humanitarian News|access-date=February 5, 2019}}
• Hawaii – Kīlauea volcano (2018): Direct Relief aided in mitigation efforts by providing respirator masks to those affected by the eruption.{{Cite web|url=https://apnews.com/5fb1990689c340c3a48ef4ca3cad8dd6|title=Centers look to new Facebook tools for help during disasters|last=Lozano|first=Juan a|date=May 11, 2018|website=AP NewsEWS|access-date=August 2, 2019}}

In 2013, Direct Relief launched a program in partnership with Basic Health International to screen and treat women in Haiti for cervical cancer.{{cite web|title=20,430 women have been screened for cervical cancer in partnership with BHI|publisher=Basic Health International|url=http://www.basichealth.org/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141112221356/http://www.basichealth.org/|archive-date=November 12, 2014|access-date=November 12, 2014}}

• H1N1 outbreak (2009): Direct Relief provided 478 clinics in 49 US states with H1N1 protective items to keep clinic workers healthy throughout flu season.{{Cite web|url=http://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/health/Clinics-Swamped-with-Flu-Patients.html|title=Clinics Swamped with Flu Patients|last=Stickney|first=R.|website=NBC 7 San Diego|date=May 4, 2009 |access-date=April 25, 2019}}
• Zika virus outbreak (2015): In 2016, Direct Relief established a Zika fund and helped fulfill requests for supplies in fourteen affected countries.{{Cite web|url=https://www.directrelief.org/emergency/zika-virus-outbreak/|title=Zika Virus Outbreak|date=January 10, 2019|publisher=Direct Relief|access-date=May 9, 2019}}
• DRC Ebola outbreak (2015): Since 2015, Direct Relief has provided $13.9 million in medical aid.{{Cite web|url=http://www.pqmd.org/new-ebola-cases-in-democratic-republic-of-congo/|title=New Ebola Cases in Democratic Republic of Congo|last=Gretchen|date=August 3, 2018|website=PQMD|access-date=April 19, 2019}}{{Cite web|url=https://disasterphilanthropy.org/disaster/ebola-virus/|title=Ebola Virus|date=October 5, 2016 |publisher=Center for Disaster Philanthropy|access-date=April 19, 2019}}
• Global COVID-19 pandemic (2019–2020): In January 2020, Direct Relief worked with FedEx Cares, the courier's global charitable platform, to fulfill an emergency order from medical staff in Wuhan's largest hospital, Wuhan Union Hospital.{{cite web |last1=Garland |first1=Max |title=Here's how FedEx is responding to the coronavirus outbreak in Wuhan, China |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2020/01/29/coronavirus-outbreak-wuhan-china-fedex-response-direct-relief/4608909002/ |website=USA Today |access-date=March 19, 2020}}{{cite web |last1=Mason |first1=Dave |title=Goleta nonprofit, Direct Relief, helps China and U.S. as coronavirus cases grow |url=https://newspress.com/featured/2020/goleta-nonprofit-direct-relief-helps-china-and-u-s-as-coronavirus-cases-grow/ |website=Newspress |access-date=March 19, 2020}}

Up to April 2020, the organization had distributed more than 145,000 pounds of medical aid in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.{{cite web |last1=Holland |first1=Brooke |title=Direct Relief Joins Fight Against Coronavirus with Distributions of Medical Supplies |url=https://www.noozhawk.com/article/what_direct_relief_is_doing_locally_and_elsewhere_20200402 |website=Noozhawk |date=April 2, 2020 |access-date=April 24, 2020}} Direct Relief shipped supplies to hospitals and clinics in all 50 US states as well as institutions in 32 countries.{{Cite web|title=Direct Relief sends large shipment to hospitals in all 50 states, again|url=https://keyt.com/news/santa-barbara-s-county/2020/03/20/direct-relief-sends-large-shipment-to-hospitals-in-all-50-states-again/|last=Farnsworth|first=Beth|date=March 21, 2020|website=KEYT {{!}} KCOY|access-date=April 30, 2020}} The organization also started a new COVID-19 fund to provide community health centers financial support for healthcare workers.{{cite web |last1=Shaw |first1=Bob |title=3M to give $20 million to fight coronavirus, money will fund research, relief efforts, aid to health-care workers world-wide |url=https://www.twincities.com/2020/04/17/3m-to-give-20-milllion-to-fight-coronavirus-money-will-fund-research-relief-efforts-aid-to-health-care-workers-world-wde/ |website=TwinCities |date=April 17, 2020 |access-date=May 8, 2020}} 3M donated $10 million to the fund.{{cite web |title=Coronavirus in Minnesota: 3M Donating $20 Million to Research, Health Care Workers & Disproportionately Impacted Populations |url=https://minnesota.cbslocal.com/2020/04/16/coronavirus-in-minnesota-3m-donating-20-million-to-research-health-care-workers-disproportionately-impacted-populations/ |website=CBS Local |date=April 16, 2020 |access-date=May 8, 2020}} By June 2020, over 518 health centers had received funding through the COVID-19 fund.{{Cite web|title=Fetter Health Care Network Receives Emergency Grant from Direct Relief to Strengthen the Healthcare Safety Net covering Charleston, Dorchester, Colleton and Berkeley Counties|url=https://www.charlestonchronicle.net/2020/05/31/fetter-health-care-network-receives-emergency-grant-from-direct-relief-to-strengthen-the-healthcare-safety-net-covering-charleston-dorchester-colleton-and-berkeley-counties/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200628203748/https://www.charlestonchronicle.net/2020/05/31/fetter-health-care-network-receives-emergency-grant-from-direct-relief-to-strengthen-the-healthcare-safety-net-covering-charleston-dorchester-colleton-and-berkeley-counties/|url-status=usurped|archive-date=June 28, 2020|access-date=June 30, 2020|website=The Charleston Chronicle}}

In May 2020, Direct Relief announced that it was partnering with FedEx Cares to ship personal protective equipment to underserved communities around the US.{{Cite web|date=May 22, 2020|title=Direct Relief and FedEx Cares partner to distribute PPE|url=https://www.pacbiztimes.com/2020/05/22/direct-relief-and-fedex-cares-partner-to-distribute-ppe/|access-date=June 30, 2020|website=Pacific Coast Business Times}} The charity has sent over 350,000 surgical masks, 30,000 face masks, and 10,000 goggles to Mexico.{{Cite web|last=Copel|first=Cody|date=May 30, 2020|title=Eddie Mendoza and Direct Relief Mexico: a model for the new normal|url=https://mexiconewsdaily.com/mexicolife/eddie-mendoza-and-direct-relief-mexico/|access-date=October 12, 2020|website=Mexico News Daily}}

Direct Relief provides support to local and international wildfire incidents, including masks, vehicles, and funds to advance firefighter technology.

• Gap Fire (2008){{Cite web|url=https://www.independent.com/2008/07/03/goletans-advised-blackouts-reverse-911-calls-air-quality/|title=Goletans Advised of Blackouts, Reverse 911 Calls, Air Quality|last=Preston|first=Ben|date=July 4, 2008|website=The Santa Barbara Independent|access-date=May 31, 2019}}
• Jesusita Fire (2009){{Cite web|url=https://www.pacbiztimes.com/2017/12/07/smoke-ash-from-thomas-fire-forcing-businesses-to-close/|title=Montecito, Santa Barbara evacuation warnings lifted|date=December 7, 2017|website=Pacific Coast Business Times|access-date=July 12, 2019}}
• Thomas Fire (2017){{Cite web|url=https://www.vcstar.com/story/news/local/communities/ventura/2019/09/06/ventura-fire-department-get-new-vehicles-from-nonprofit/2185993001/|title=Ventura Fire Department gets 2 vehicles, thanks to nonprofit|last=Childs|first=Jeremy|website=Ventura County Star|access-date=September 27, 2019}}
• California wildfires (2018){{Cite web|url=http://www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm?bay=content.view&cpid=5456|title=Relief for the California Wildfires|website=Charity Navigator|access-date=May 2, 2019}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.calfund.org/socalwildfire/|title=Southern California Wildfire Relief|date=November 9, 2018|publisher=California Community Foundation|access-date=May 2, 2019|archive-date=May 2, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190502151447/https://www.calfund.org/socalwildfire/|url-status=dead}}{{Cite web|title=Direct Relief donates $500,000 of new equipment to CAL FIRE Butte County|url=https://www.actionnewsnow.com/content/news/Direct-Relief-donates-500000-of-new-equipment-to-CAL-FIRE-Butte-County-562016541.html|access-date=December 20, 2019|website=KHSL News}}
• Australia bushfires (2019–2020){{Cite web|url=https://keyt.com/news/national-world/2020/01/06/direct-relief-donates-500000-fire-masks-to-australia/|title=Direct Relief donates 500,000 fire masks to Australia as bushfires rage on|last=Drescher|first=Kacey|date=January 7, 2020|website=KEYT {{!}} KCOY|access-date=February 7, 2020}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.businesstraveller.com/business-travel/2020/01/08/airlines-offering-assistance-to-australia-as-bushfires-continue-to-rage/|title=Airlines offering assistance to Australia as bushfires continue to rage|website=Business Traveller|access-date=February 7, 2020}}
• Maui wildfires (2023): Direct Relief sent shipments that included a wildfire kit, emergency medical backpacks, and personal care kits. The nonprofit coordinated with the Hawaii Department of Health, the Federal Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response Region 9, the Hawaii Primary Care Association, and several healthcare facilities in Hawaii. Direct Relief's initial aid commitment was $500,000.{{Cite web |last=Christ |first=Ryder |date=August 11, 2023 |title=Direct Relief sends aid to Maui as death toll rises from raging wildfires |url=https://keyt.com/news/santa-barbara-s-county/2023/08/10/direct-relief-sends-aid-to-maui-as-death-toll-rises-from-raging-wildfires/ |access-date=May 30, 2025 |website=News Channel 3–12}}
• Palisades Fire (2025): Direct Relief provided medical aid, including medications and protective gear, to those affected by the Palisades Fire and the first responders battling it. They also offered financial support to community health providers to ensure continued care for impacted residents.{{Cite web |date=January 8, 2025 |title=How to help those affected by fires raging across Los Angeles County |url=https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2025-01-08/how-to-help-victims-of-pacific-palisades-eaton-and-hurst-fires |access-date=May 22, 2025 |website=Los Angeles Times}}

In July 2019, the organization released an analysis of which small towns in California could be the hardest hit by a fast-moving wildfire based on the numbers of low-income, immobile, aging, or disabled people in the community. Nine towns were given a "very high" social-vulnerability score.{{Cite web|url=https://www.sacbee.com/news/california/fires/article233183421.html|title=Here are the California towns at highest wildfire risk for the elderly, disabled and immobile|last=Finch II|first=Michael|website=Sacramento Bee}}

• Typhoon Yutu (2018): The "super typhoon" hit the Northern Mariana Islands in October 2018. Direct Relief worked with Commonwealth Healthcare Corporation (the only hospital in the Northern Mariana Islands) and with other health facilities damaged by the storm to coordinate medical aid shipments. A shipment of 40,000 liters of drinking water along with other essential items was delivered in late October.{{Cite web|url=https://blog.nachc.org/tropical-cyclone-devastates-northern-mariana-islands/|title=Tropical Cyclone Devastates Northern Mariana Islands|last=Farber|first=Amy Simmons|date=October 26, 2018|website=NACHC Blog|access-date=July 26, 2019}}

Direct Relief delivers medical aid to people in high-need areas worldwide by supporting partners that provide child and maternal health services through the full process of pregnancy. The organization provides midwives with the tools needed to provide delivery, antenatal, and postpartum care safely. In 2017, Direct Relief distributed 300 midwife kits to fourteen partners in seven countries in the Caribbean, Southeast Asia, and Sub-Saharan Africa, supporting 15,000 safe births.{{Cite web|url=https://www.noozhawk.com/article/direct_relief_women_mothers_day_maternal_child_health_care_20190512|title=Direct Relief Women Celebrate Mother's Day with Benefit for Maternal, Child Health Care|last1=Holl|first1=Brooke|website=Noozhawk|date=May 12, 2019 |access-date=June 7, 2019}}

• In July 2011, Direct Relief developed the Global Fistula Map in partnership with the United Nations Population Fund and the Fistula Foundation.{{cite web|url=http://www.globalfistulamap.org/|title=Global Fistula Map|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141113001629/http://www.globalfistulamap.org/|archive-date=November 13, 2014|access-date=November 12, 2014}}{{cite web|url=http://www.noozhawk.com/article/direct_relief_women_mothers_day_event_health_care_20140517|title=Direct Relief Women Celebrate Mother's Day with Benefit in Support of Maternal, Child Health Care|website=Noozhawk|date=May 18, 2014 |url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141112223543/http://www.noozhawk.com/article/direct_relief_women_mothers_day_event_health_care_20140517|archive-date=November 12, 2014|access-date=November 12, 2014}}
• In 2012, Direct Relief teamed up with Last Mile Health to launch a childhood pneumonia program in Liberia.{{cite web|url=http://lastmilehealth.org/partners/|title=Last Mile Health Partners|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141112234247/http://lastmilehealth.org/partners/|archive-date=November 12, 2014|access-date=November 12, 2014}}
• Direct Relief provided midwife kits to hospitals and midwifery schools in Sierra Leone, Somaliland, and Nepal.{{cite web|title=Direct Relief Maternal & Child Health|url=http://onepercentforhumanity.org/info/directrelief.pdf|access-date=November 12, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141218003503/http://onepercentforhumanity.org/info/directrelief.pdf|archive-date=December 18, 2014|url-status=dead}}
• Direct Relief increased support to Edna Adan University Hospital for the treatment and care of women with obstetric fistula. This included the construction and equipping of an operating theater and the development of a training curriculum for midwives and nurses.{{cite web|title=Partnering to Improve Maternal Health and Access to Obstetric Fistula Treatment|date=September 29, 2010 |url=http://www.ednahospital.org/edna-hospital/direct-relief-international/|access-date=November 20, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129040934/http://www.ednahospital.org/edna-hospital/direct-relief-international/|archive-date=November 29, 2014|url-status=live}}

Power for Health is a program launched in 2018 to help community health centers become more resilient in the face of power outages. A Power for Health grant covers the full cost of a rooftop solar and battery storage system and five years of maintenance support.{{Cite web |date=June 11, 2024 |title=Community health centers' new crisis: The need for backup power |url=https://apnews.com/article/direct-relief-rooftop-solar-power-community-health-centers-21709fe36279d2c2f263ad965529ef85 |access-date=February 19, 2025 |website=AP News}} From 2018 to June 2024, Direct Relief provided systems for 19 centers. As of June 2024, there were 48 projects under development in eight states and Puerto Rico.

• In 2024, Alliance Medical Center's clinic in Healdsburg, California, received $500,000 from the initiative for a rooftop solar and battery storage system.
• In March 2024, the initiative provided $10 million in grants for solar and storage microgrids for tribal communities in the U.S.{{Cite web |last=Cohn |first=Lisa |date=March 25, 2024 |title=With Frequent Outages in Tribal Communities Creating Health Risks, Direct Relief Provides $10 Million for Microgrids |url=https://www.microgridknowledge.com/microgrids/remote/article/33039283/with-frequent-outages-in-tribal-communities-creating-health-risks-direct-relief-provides-10-million-for-microgrids |access-date=March 5, 2025 |website=Microgrid Knowledge}}
• Community Health Centers of the Central Coast installed a rooftop solar and battery system at its Skyway Telehealth Center in Santa Maria, California.{{Cite web |last=Chavez |first=April |date=October 29, 2024 |title=Community Health Centers cuts ribbon on solar, battery system at Skyway Telehealth Center |url=https://santamariatimes.com/news/local/community-health-centers-cuts-ribbon-on-solar-battery-system-at-skyway-telehealth-center/article_bcd2a48e-9638-11ef-96a8-e77b873fce6e.html |access-date=March 5, 2025 |website=Santa Maria Times}} The organization provides healthcare access for underserved communities across northern Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties, supported by grants from Direct Relief.{{Cite web |date=June 11, 2024 |title=Community health centers' new crisis: The need for backup power |url=https://apnews.com/article/direct-relief-rooftop-solar-power-community-health-centers-21709fe36279d2c2f263ad965529ef85 |access-date=March 14, 2025 |website=AP News}}

In March 2022, Direct Relief partnered with the Ukrainian Ministry of Health to provide medical aid to organizations in the country.{{cite web|title=Ukraine Relief|date=March 2, 2022 |url=https://www.directrelief.org/emergency/ukraine-crisis/|access-date=March 27, 2022}} More than 125 tons of supplies were provided in that first month.

In April, the nonprofit launched Health 4 Ukraine with Pelion S.A., the largest healthcare company in Poland. The program covered 100% of prescription co-pays and 85% of non-prescription drug costs for Ukrainian refugees in Poland.{{Cite web |date=April 29, 2022 |title=Q&A: Direct Relief CEO Thomas Tighe on how to help Ukraine |url=https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-health-business-prescription-drug-costs-poland-6998d5485bb3545f006df3c038ec7374 |access-date=April 16, 2025 |website=AP News}}

In December, the charity announced $7.9 million in cash aid for Ukrainians who had suffered injuries or trauma in the war. The cash was used for medical care and rehabilitation services. It brought Direct Relief's total cash assistance for programs benefiting Ukrainians and Ukrainian refugees to $29.4 million.

• 2011 – Peter F. Drucker Award for Nonprofit Innovation{{cite web|url=http://druckerinst.dreamhosters.com/link/2011awardwinners/|title=Drucker Nonprofit Award Chosen|publisher=Drucker Insitiute|date=October 4, 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141112234055/http://druckerinst.dreamhosters.com/link/2011awardwinners/|archive-date=November 12, 2014|access-date=November 12, 2014}}
• 2012 – Designated by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy as a Verified-Accredited Wholesale Distributors licensed to distribute pharmaceutical medicines to all 50 US states and Washington, D.C.{{cite news|url=http://newsok.com/oklahoma-tornades-california-based-nonprofit-donates-medical-supplies/article/3840939|title=Oklahoma tornadoes: California-based nonprofit donates medical supplies|last1=Cervenka|first1=Rachael|date=June 3, 2013|access-date=November 7, 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141108045600/http://newsok.com/oklahoma-tornades-california-based-nonprofit-donates-medical-supplies/article/3840939|archive-date=November 8, 2014|work=The Oklahoman}}
• 2013 – Esri President's Award for geographic information systems work to identify health condition patterns and medical needs{{cite web|url=http://www.esri.com/esri-news/releases/13-3qtr/direct-relief-receives-presidents-award-for-outstanding-use-of-gis|title=Direct Relief Receives President's Award for Outstanding Use of GIS|date=July 8, 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141112224521/http://www.esri.com/esri-news/releases/13-3qtr/direct-relief-receives-presidents-award-for-outstanding-use-of-gis|archive-date=November 12, 2014|access-date=November 12, 2014}}
• 2014 – Power of Partnership Award – National Association of Community Health Centers{{cite press release|url=http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/flash-poll-in-states-expanding-medicaid-community-health-centers-report-more-patients-fewer-uninsured-273878511.html|title=Flash Poll: In States Expanding Medicaid, Community Health Centers Report More Patients, Fewer Uninsured|date=September 4, 2014|access-date=December 5, 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141207053747/http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/flash-poll-in-states-expanding-medicaid-community-health-centers-report-more-patients-fewer-uninsured-273878511.html|archive-date=December 7, 2014|author=Direct Relief|agency=PR Newswire}}
• 2014 – Charity Navigator ranked Direct Relief number one in its 2015 list, "10 of the Best Charities Everyone's Heard Of", and a "four-star" charity with a 99.94/100 charity score overall.{{cite web|title=10 of the Best Charities Everyone's Heard Of|url=http://www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm?bay=topten.detail&listid=18#.VF0wS_nF98E|publisher=Charity Navigator|access-date=November 7, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141108040602/http://www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm?bay=topten.detail&listid=18#.VF0wS_nF98E|archive-date=November 8, 2014|url-status=live}}
• 2015 – Fast Company named the organization among "the World's Top 10 Most Innovative Companies of 2015 in Not-For-Profit".{{cite web | url=http://www.fastcompany.com/3041659/most-innovative-companies-2015/the-worlds-top-10-most-innovative-companies-of-2015-in-not-fo | title=The World's Top 10 Most Innovative Companies of 2015 in Not-For-Profit | work=Fast Company | date=February 10, 2015 | access-date=May 13, 2015| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518101640/http://www.fastcompany.com/3041659/most-innovative-companies-2015/the-worlds-top-10-most-innovative-companies-of-2015-in-not-fo | archive-date=May 18, 2015 | url-status=live }}
• 2015 – Forbes gave the organization a 100% fundraising efficiency rating.{{cite web|title=The 50 Largest U.S. Charities, Direct Relief|url=https://www.forbes.com/companies/direct-relief-international/|work=Forbes|access-date=November 7, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141021004935/http://www.forbes.com/companies/direct-relief-international/|archive-date=October 21, 2014|url-status=live}}
• 2019 – Ranked third by Fast Company in the World's Most Innovative: Not-for-Profit Sector.{{Cite web|url=https://www.fastcompany.com/most-innovative-companies/2019/sectors/not-for-profit|title=The World's Most Innovative Companies 2019: Not-for-Profit Honorees|website=Fast Company|access-date=February 28, 2019}}

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