Direct Relief News
105 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 2 years ago - ★★★★★ - 21 ratingsEmergency response and global humanitarian reporting from Direct Relief, an apolitical, nonsectarian non-profit with a humanitarian mission to improve the health and lives of people affected by poverty and emergencies.
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Episodes
Connect Podcast – Episode 4: Pokéthon Gives Back by Catching Them All
September 03, 2021 13:08 - 29 minutes - 41.1 MBOn this episode of Direct Relief Connect, StephOfAnime, a Pokémon-focused content creator, and Erick Molina, a Program Manager for Latin America at Direct Relief, discuss the Pokémon community, the upcoming Pokéthon event, and the impact of Direct Relief’s work in Latin America. The upcoming Pokéthon event will take place September 3-5.
Connect #3: Turning Traditional Music into Non-Traditional Fundraising
August 10, 2021 18:09 - 32 minutes - 30.1 MBOn this episode of the Direct Relief Connect podcast, Sab Irene, a video game saxophonist and music educator, and Paul Grankowski, Special Events Manager at Direct Relief, discuss personal growth through music and utilizing their skills for new philanthropic opportunities in the digital space. Paul also provides great insight into some lesser-known communities that Direct […]
Connect Podcast – Episode 2: “Cooking Easy Things The Hard Way” For Good
July 26, 2021 22:47 - 35 minutes - 48.9 MBGraham a.k.a. Tabetai Cooking, a Food & Drink content creator, and Rose Levy, Program Manager for Global Programs at Direct Relief, discuss the joys of creative home cooking and how it can be utilized to raise funds that help community health centers. Cooking livestreams, innovation awards for health centers, and “cooking easy things the hard […]
Mental Health Support Goes to First Responders of Surfside Condo Collapse
July 23, 2021 12:48 - 14 minutes - 10.2 MBIn the wake of the collapse, a team of clinicians and peer support members, led by Oxnard Fire Chief Alexander Hamilton, were deployed to provide mental health services to search and rescue teams.
Connect Podcast – Episode 1: How Far Will Gamers Go to Support Charity? Jitsu May Have Found the Limit
July 12, 2021 20:26 - 27 minutes - 37.1 MBIntroducing Direct Relief Connect, a new podcast by Direct Relief. The show brings together highly skilled philanthropists and members of Direct Relief’s staff to provide an in-depth look at the organization’s work, as well as give a glimpse into guests’ personal journeys and how they came to support causes they are passionate about. For the […]
In Homeless Communities, Gaining Trust is Key for Vaccination Efforts
April 29, 2021 12:55 - 11 minutes - 116 MBWhile those experiencing homelessness are some of the most vulnerable to Covid-19, the population faces substantial barriers to accessing vaccines. Many lack transportation to get to and from a vaccination site. Others live nomadically, making it difficult to commit to a second vaccine appointment. But according to homelessness activist Tasia Thompson, misinformation is the primary […]
Chronic Disease and Mental Health are Linked. But How?
April 19, 2021 21:54 - 135 MBResearch suggests other factors at work, beyond diet and exercise. At Centre Volunteers in Medicine in State College, Pennsylvania, providers are integrating mental health services and chronic disease care to help patients better manage their medical conditions.
Treating an Opioid Use Disorder Is Difficult. A Pandemic Doesn’t Help.
February 23, 2021 17:37 - 13 BytesGetting treatment for an opioid use disorder can be complicated, often requiring daily visits to receive addiction medication under the supervision of a provider. While guidelines have been relaxed to reduce barriers for those seeking care, it’s not clear how effective the changes have been. “Their barriers are huge here,” said Kim Brown, the founder […]
Treating an Opioid Use Disorder is Difficult. A Pandemic Doesn't Help.
February 22, 2021 19:33 - 12 minutes - 11.1 MBGetting treatment for an opioid use disorder can be complicated, often requiring daily visits to receive addiction medication under the supervision of a provider. While guidelines have been relaxed to reduce barriers for those seeking care, it's not clear how effective the changes have been. "Their barriers are huge here," said Kim Brown, the founder of Quad Cities Harm Reduction (QCHR), "and they've been exacerbated by the pandemic." QCHR distributes supplies, including Naloxone--the medica...
Growing Up in a Pandemic: How Covid is Affecting Children’s Development
January 19, 2021 18:41 - 13 BytesPediatricians are noting developmental delays as well as potential for long-term health consequences, particularly for children from low-income households.
Growing Up in the Midst of a Pandemic: How Covid is Affecting Children's Development
January 13, 2021 01:52 - 14 minutes - 13.1 MBWhile Covid-19 is typically benign in children, the pandemic could have long lasting impacts for society's youngest members. With childcare programs closed and social distancing measures in place, many children are missing out on critical developmental opportunities. "Children are not getting the cognitive and social stimulation that they would normally get outside their home," said Dr. Michelle Aguilar, the head of pediatrics at Venice Family Clinic in Los Angeles, California. Providers hav...
Sometimes, Getting to the Doctor is the Hardest Part
December 02, 2020 19:13 - 13 BytesChronic conditions require routine care and strict medication regimens, but for millions, transportation stands in the way of accessing timely health care. From rural communities to urban cities, patients struggle to make routine appointments. Some can’t afford a vehicle, others live hours, if not days, from the nearest point of care. The distance–and lack of […]
Sometimes, Just Getting to the Doctor is the Hardest Part
November 25, 2020 22:59 - 6 minutes - 5.75 MBChronic conditions require routine care and strict medication regimens, but for millions, transportation stands in the way of accessing timely health care. From rural communities to urban cities, patients struggle to make routine appointments. Some can't afford a vehicle, Others lives hours, if not days, from the nearest point of care. The distance--and lack of transportation--leads to delays in medical care, which for some, can be deadly. On this episode of the podcast, we explore how tran...
Mental Health Providers See “Unprecedented” Surge During Pandemic
November 09, 2020 13:52 - 13 BytesAs the third wave of the Covid-19 pandemic fills hospitals to capacity, mental health providers are seeing a surge of their own. “People are under so much stress,” said Ryoko Chernomaz, a licensed clinical social worker at the San Francisco Free Clinic. Issues at home – from increasing childcare responsibilities to domestic abuse – are […]
Mental Health Providers See "Unprecedented" Surge During Pandemic
November 05, 2020 00:11 - 7 minutes - 7.02 MBAs the third wave of the Covid-19 pandemic fills hospitals to capacity, mental health providers are seeing a surge of their own. "People are under so much stress," said Ryoko Chernomaz, a licensed clinical social worker at the San Francisco Free Clinic. Issues at home--from increasing childcare responsibilities to domestic abuse--are compounding financial anxieties triggered during the early stages of the pandemic, driving an uptick in mental health needs. Sine the pandemic began, Chernomaz ...
For Pregnant Women, Stigma Complicates Opioid Misuse Treatment
October 05, 2020 22:46 - 13 BytesNew and expectant mothers face unique challenges when seeking treatment for an opioid use disorder. On top of preparing for motherhood, expectant mothers often face barriers to accessing treatment, which typically involves taking safer opioids to reduce dependency over time. The approach is called medication assisted therapy, or MAT, and is a key component in […]
For Pregnant Women, Stigma Complicates Opioid Treatment
October 05, 2020 19:07 - 7 minutes - 6.65 MBFor new and expectant mothers, treating an opioid use disorder comes with added challenges. On top of preparing for motherhood, expectant mothers often face barriers to accessing treatment, which typically involves taking safer opioids to reduce dependency over time. The approach is called medication assisted therapy, or MAT, and is a key component in most opioid treatment programs. But with pregnant women, providers can be hesitant to administer opiate-based drugs. According to a study out...
Wildfires and Covid-19. Overlapping Emergencies Strain Resources, Demand Strategic Response
September 11, 2020 23:54 - 13 BytesIn California, six of the state's ten largest wildfires are currently burning, along with blazes in Oregon, Washington, and Arizona.
Wildfires and Covid-19. Overlapping Emergencies Demand Strategic Response.
September 11, 2020 23:23 - 8 minutes - 7.67 MBOver 100 wildfires are burning across the western United States, setting the stage for an unprecedented fire season as the Covid-19 pandemic persists. In California, six of the state's ten largest wildfires are currently burning, as uncontrolled fires rage across Oregon, Washington, and Arizona, torching millions of acres and killing at least 11 people. Direct Relief has deployed several kits of emergency medical supplies, including N-95 masks, hygiene items, and essential medicine, to hea...
"Way Beyond Their Medical Needs." Health Care Providers Prepare for Hurricane Laura
August 26, 2020 23:17 - 11 minutes - 10.1 MBHurricane Laura is barreling towards the Texas-Louisiana border after intensifying into a Category 4 storm Wednesday. Unsurvivable storm surge and devastating winds are expected to cause catastrophic damage in some areas. In Beaumont, Texas, where the storm is projected to make landfall early Thursday morning, residents remain under mandatory evacuation orders. On this episode of the podcast, we speak with Lauren Rahe, the Executive Director of the Ubi Caritas Health Ministries in Beaumont,...
“Way Beyond Their Medical Needs.” Health Care Providers Prepare for Hurricane Laura
August 26, 2020 23:00 - 13 BytesWhether in the storm's path or further afield, safety net providers are preparing to keep the lights on and services available.
In Sudan, Those with Diabetes Face Increased Risks Amid Pandemic
August 26, 2020 11:16 - 13 BytesRising food insecurity coupled with strained health care systems has created new challenges for those managing diabetes during the Covid-19 pandemic. When food is scarce and meals are inconsistent, people with diabetes may experience extreme blood sugar spikes–or dips–that can lead to heart disease, kidney failure, and even death. In Sudan, where the number of […]
In Sudan, Diabetics Face Increased Risks Amid Pandemic.
August 26, 2020 00:11 - 6 minutes - 5.7 MBRising food insecurity coupled with strained health care systems has created new challenges for those managing diabetes during the Covid-19 pandemic. When food is scarce and meals are inconsistent, diabetics may experience extreme blood sugar spikes--or dips--that can lead to heart disease, kidney failure, and even death. In Sudan, where the number of people facing acute food insecurity has increased 65% since last year, pediatric endocrinologist Dr. Omer Babiker says malnutrition has becom...
In CA, Wildfires Accelerate Convergence of Public Health Crises
August 21, 2020 19:19 - 13 BytesCalifornia faces a convergence of public health crises as dozens of wildfires unleash hazardous levels of air pollution across the state. Smoke-laden air has exacerbated conditions, like asthma, while the menace of Covid-19 still looms, mounting a respiratory threat on two fronts. For the more than 650,000 Californians sick with the virus, poor air quality […]
In CA, Wildfires Brings Convergence of Public Health Crises
August 21, 2020 18:57 - 12 minutes - 11.7 MBCalifornia faces a convergence of public health crises as dozens of wildfires unleash hazardous levels of air pollution across the state. Smoke-laden air has exacerbated conditions, like asthma, while the menace of Covid-19 looms, mounting a respiratory threat on two fronts. For the more than 650,000 Californians sick with the virus, poor air quality is particularly dangerous. A small increase in air pollution has been shown to significantly increase patients' risk of severe illness and deat...
CA Wildfires Bring Convergence of Public Health Crises
August 21, 2020 18:57 - 12 minutes - 11.7 MBCalifornia faces a convergence of public health crises as dozens of wildfires unleash hazardous levels of air pollution across the state. Smoke-laden air has exacerbated conditions, like asthma, while the menace of Covid-19 looms, mounting a respiratory threat on two fronts. For the more than 650,000 Californians sick with the virus, poor air quality is particularly dangerous. A small increase in air pollution has been shown to significantly increase patients' risk of severe illness and deat...
A New Way for Health Centers to Keep the Lights On
August 12, 2020 19:13 - 13 BytesA battery rebate program is designed to help low-income people living in high fire risk areas, and the critical organizations that serve them, navigate future public safety power shutoffs.
The Health Consequences of California's Public Safety Power Shut Offs
August 11, 2020 22:49 - 8 minutes - 7.55 MBAs California's fire season heats up, preventative power shut offs are likely to follow, potentially leaving millions without electricity. Once unprecedented, these public safety power shut offs (PSPS) have become common practice as utility companies seek to prevent wildfires sparked by downed power lines. But the consequences of these shut offs are vast, and have significant implications for health care. Without power, safety net health facilities must often close down entirely, forcing p...
Fewer Medical Visits, More Unplanned Pregnancies. How Covid-19 Impacts Reproductive Health.
August 05, 2020 15:00 - 13 BytesWhile researchers say the coronavirus pandemic is more likely to lead to a baby bust than a baby boom, it’s limiting access to family planning services and contraception. One-third of American women have reportedly delayed or canceled visiting their provider for reproductive health care services or have had trouble getting their birth control, citing concerns […]
Fewer Medical Visits, More Unplanned Pregnancies. How Covid-19 is Affecting Reproductive Healthcare.
August 04, 2020 22:38 - 5 minutes - 4.73 MBIn the United States, researchers says the coronavirus pandemic is more likely to lead to a baby bust than a baby boom. According to the Brookings Institution, women are likely to delay pregnancy because of economic uncertainty and concerns about the state of public health. The result could be up to half a million fewer births in the next year. Despite these predictions, some women are experiencing more limited access to family planning services and contraception during the pandemic. One-thi...
Responding to Covid-19 in the Navajo Nation: A Front Line Perspective
July 24, 2020 12:35 - 13 BytesIn the Navajo Nation — a sovereign territory spanning 27,000 square miles — responding to Covid-19 comes with unique challenges. A third of residents don’t have access to running water. Grocery stores are few and far between. And many must travel hours to reach the nearest hospital. While the nation has the highest case rate […]
Responding to Covid-19 in the Navajo Nation: A Front Line Perspective.
July 23, 2020 23:17 - 18 minutes - 16.6 MBIn the Navajo Nation--a sovereign territory spanning 27,000 square miles--responding to Covid-19 comes with unique challenges. A third of residents don't have access to running water. Grocery stores are few and far between. And many must travel hours to reach the nearest hospital. While the nation has the highest case rate of any state in the country, it's been successful in containing the spread of the virus through stay at home orders and strict weekend curfews. When the pandemic began, t...
“They Don’t Have Food, Period. Let Alone Healthy Options.” How Covid-19 Has Impacted Chronic Disease Care.
July 16, 2020 14:12 - 13 BytesWith many Americans out of work and struggling financially, managing chronic diseases, like diabetes, may be an afterthought. These health providers are working to change that.
"They Don't Have Food, Period. Let Alone Healthy Options." How Covid-19 Has Impacted Chronic Care.
July 16, 2020 03:21 - 6 minutes - 6.32 MBWith more than 44 million Americans filing for unemployment since mid-March, the financial fallout of the Covid-19 pandemic has made managing chronic disease an afterthought tor some, and an impossibility for others. Lacking adequate resources, many are struggling to maintain their medical regimens, which often involve produce-rich diets and regular purchases of prescription medication. "We definitely are seeing a number of patients who are really just barely getting by,” says Dr. Mary Herb...
Responding to the Coronavirus Outbreak on U.S.-Mexico Border
July 08, 2020 13:08 - 13 BytesOn the California-Mexico border, the coronavirus continues to disproportionately impact communities where large numbers of essential workers and high rates of poverty render preventative measures, such as social distancing, nearly impossible. In San Diego County, the discrepancy between case totals tracks the region’s socio-economic divisions. In the county’s southernmost zip code, case rates are roughly […]
Responding to the Coronavirus Outbreak on California-Mexico Border
July 08, 2020 00:16 - 6 minutes - 6.02 MBOn the California-Mexico border, the coronavirus continues to disproportionately impact communities where large numbers of essential workers and high rates of poverty render preventative measures, such as social distancing, nearly impossible. In San Diego County, the discrepancy between case totals tracks the region's socio-economic divisions. In the county's southernmost zip code, case rates are roughly 3 times higher than San Diego City itself and 5 times higher than several of the county'...
In U.S., New Trends Fuel Coronavirus Resurgence
June 30, 2020 22:08 - 13 BytesAs the United States reports record-high case totals, patterns in viral spread are emerging.
Racial Health Inequities Persist. Here’s How Two Minneapolis Providers are Bridging the Gap.
June 22, 2020 19:03 - 13 BytesBlack Americans suffer significantly worse health outcomes than their white counterparts–from higher rates of chronic disease to lower life expectancy. During the coronavirus pandemic, these disparities have only been amplified, with Black patients dying at more than three times the rate of white Americans. Despite decades of research and community efforts, the United States’ racial […]
Racial Health Inequities Persist. Here's How Two Minneapolis Providers are Bridging the Gap.
June 22, 2020 17:12 - 9 minutes - 8.27 MBBlack Americans suffer significantly worse health outcomes than their white counterparts--from higher rates of chronic disease to lower life expectancy. During the coronavirus pandemic, these disparities have only been amplified, with black patients dying at more than three times the rate of white Americans. Despite decades of research and community efforts, the United States' racial health gap--rooted in centuries of discriminatory laws and practices--persists today. To address these inequi...
Dominica Nearly Eradicated Covid-19. Hurricane Season Could Change That.
June 16, 2020 11:07 - 13 BytesOn the Caribbean island of Dominica, hurricane season threatens to undo months of preventative measures taken to stop the spread of Covid-19. With only one public hospital and a handful of ICU beds, health officials acted quickly to contain the virus once the first case was reported in March. Since closing its borders, the island […]
Deciding How – and Where – to Send Supplies During Covid-19
June 03, 2020 12:12 - 13 BytesMany countries – previously considered Covid-19 hotspots – have moved into new phases of their response, lifting multi-month lockdowns and reopening public spaces. While the changes signal progress for some, other countries, spared in the early stages of the pandemic, are now reporting dramatic surges in case totals. The progression of the virus is of particular […]
Deciding How and Where to Send Supplies During Covid-19
June 02, 2020 20:50 - 12 minutes - 11.8 MBMany countries--previously considered Covid-19 hotspots--have moved into new phases of their response, lifting multi-month lock downs and reopening public spaces. While the changes signal progress for some, other countries are now reporting surges in case totals. The progression of the virus is of particular concern in countries with fragile healthcare systems where the virus could be especially lethal without the resources needed to stymie its spread and care for critical patients. In anti...
In the Midst of Covid-19, Florida Healthcare Providers Prepare for Hurricane Season
May 21, 2020 21:23 - 13 BytesWith Atlantic hurricane season beginning June 1 and Covid-19 still unfolding, health officials prepare on two fronts.
In the Midst of Covid-19, Florida Healthcare Providers Prepare for "Active" Hurricane Season
May 21, 2020 20:00 - 7 minutes - 6.58 MBThe prospect of responding to both a natural disaster and a pandemic at once has those in the public health sector concerned. A large-scale disaster would undoubtedly compound what has already been an all-consuming emergency, potentially flaring up new cases and stressing health systems beyond their peak Covid-19 capacities. In the United States, this hypothetical could become all too real in the near future, with Atlantic states entering hurricane season June 1st. In the Florida panhandle,...
‘Last Black Man in SF’ Actor Was Appalled At Mask Prices. So He Gave Thousands Away.
May 16, 2020 13:03 - 13 BytesJamal Trulove grew up in a poor community and spent more than six years in prison before being exonerated, and is now on a mission to help those who are where he was.
'Last Black Man in SF' Actor Jamal Trulove on his Unconventional Journey to Activism
May 15, 2020 18:51 - 21 minutes - 19.2 MBActor Jamal Trulove is not your typical activist. Framed by the police for a murder he didn't commit, Trulove spent six years in prison serving out a 50 years to life sentence. In 2015, he was exonerated after a retrial and reached a $13.1 million civil settlement with the City of San Francisco. Since then, Trulove has starred in the critically acclaimed A24 film, "The Last Black Man in San Francisco," and most recently launched an initiative to distribute Covid-related care supplies to unde...
Monitoring Population Movement as States Reopen
May 07, 2020 13:58 - 13 BytesWith about half of states lifting their shelter-in-place orders and reopening to varying degrees, many Americans are stepping out of quarantine for the first time in weeks. Restaurants are serving in-house diners, storefronts are opening their doors to shoppers, and people are going back to their workplaces, creating scenes of pre-pandemic life and stirring hopes […]
Tracking Population Movement as States Reopen
May 06, 2020 23:13 - 14 minutes - 17.4 MBWith about half of states lifting their shelter-in-place orders and reopening to varying degrees, many Americans are stepping out of quarantine for the first time in weeks. Restaurants are serving in-house diners, storefronts are opening their doors to shoppers, and people are going back to their workplaces, creating scenes of pre-pandemic life and stirring hopes for a return to 'normal.' But without a vaccine, the threat of transmitting Covid-19 still remains, despite policy cues otherwise. ...
Covid-19 Exposes Digital Divide in Healthcare
May 05, 2020 13:12 - 13 BytesAs telemedicine takes hold, those without technological access may be left behind.
Covid-19 Exposes the Digital Divide in Healthcare
May 04, 2020 23:21 - 8 minutesWith people hunkering down due to Covid-19, more and more services are being offered online. Grocery shopping, therapy, even happy hours -- can all be accessed from a laptop computer. While virtual soirees are by no means essential, other services are -- healthcare being one of them. As health facilities seeks to minimize in-person visits, telemedicine has become a popular alternative to traditional doctor appointments. While this virtual method of care has expanded access for some, others h...