Global humanitarian organization Direct Relief today announced a $1 million grant to Maui's Malama i Keola Health Center. This is the organization's largest single grant ever awarded to a community health center. Financial support from Direct Relief is intended to strengthen wildfire recovery efforts and strengthen health center operations following Maui's devastating fires on August 8, 2023.
The Maui wildfires have caused widespread damage to Maui communities, and the impact of such disasters has highlighted the critical need for comprehensive health services. Recognizing the vital role that the Marama y Keola Health Center plays in the community, Direct Relief's historic grant will help the health center provide essential medical resources and support urgent medical needs. , with the aim of enabling the overall capacity to serve affected communities to be strengthened.
Recognized for our commitment to transparency, efficiency, and accountability, Direct Relief provides targeted assistance to communities in need without regard to politics, religion, or ability to pay. Direct Relief staunchly supports community health centers across the country, demonstrating a strong commitment to improving access to health care for underserved populations. Recognizing the critical role that community health centers play in providing comprehensive and affordable health care, Direct Relief has worked extensively with the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC) to expand its impact. I did.
“NACHC is deeply grateful for this generous grant to Marama y Keola Health Center,” said Kyu Li, MD, MPP, president and CEO of NACHC. “The human toll and tragedy experienced by Lahaina residents due to the wildfires will take a long time to recover. With this funding, Marama y Keola Health Center will rebuild infrastructure and provide essential services to the community. Community health centers such as the Maramai Ke Ora Health Center go beyond the walls of the laboratory to treat chronic diseases caused by environmental factors such as natural disasters. We are addressing the island's health disparities, including high rates of early mortality and premature mortality. We are grateful for our long-standing partnership and cooperation with Relief.”
Through our collaboration with NACHC, Direct Relief aims to address the unique challenges faced by community health centers and ensure they have the resources they need to provide quality health care services. This cooperation includes targeted support tailored to the specific needs of health centers, such as medical donations, financial support, and logistical support.
Direct Relief's support extends beyond individual grants, and the organization actively engages with NACHC to advocate for policies that strengthen the community health center model and strengthen its capacity to serve vulnerable communities. I am. By fostering these strategic collaborations, Direct Relief aims to strengthen national resilience and effectiveness.
The organization's commitment to community health centers is consistent with its broader mission to improve the health outcomes of individuals affected by poverty and emergencies. Direct Relief recognizes the critical role that community health centers play in delivering health care services to those who need them most, and we continue to support and strengthen their ability to make a lasting impact on community health care. I will devote myself.
“This investment underscores our commitment to supporting community health centers and their essential role in delivering health care to those who need it most, especially during times of crisis,” said Direct Relief CEO. Thomas Tye said. “Direct Relief is proud to support the work of Malama i Keola Health Center as it continues to serve the Maui community after the devastating fires last August.”
As a community health center, Marama i Ke Ora Health Center plays a critical role in providing accessible and quality health care services to underserved populations. The grant from Direct Relief will accelerate recovery efforts at Marama y Keola Health Center, including restoring facilities, providing medical supplies, and strengthening the health infrastructure needed to meet the evolving needs of the community. The purpose is The funding will further strengthen the health center's ability to address the specific challenges faced by vulnerable communities affected by the island's bushfires.
“We are extremely grateful for this generous $1 million grant from Direct Relief, which will help us support our community in both the immediate and long-term,” said Kathy Sabel of Marama y Keola Health Center. This award comes at a pivotal moment as we continue our efforts to meet the needs of the world.” COO and deputy CEO. “This significant donation will enable us to significantly strengthen and expand our support and services, ensuring those affected by the fires receive the care and resources they need during this difficult time. With the support of Direct Relief, we are committed to rebuilding and healing our communities, demonstrating the power of cooperation and compassion after the devastation of the Lahaina Fires.”
