2. COVER PHOTO: Mother and child after receiving care at DRI project Rurrenabaque, Boliva
Jill Reardon
Direct Relief
Dedication . . . International wishes to
thank the many
photographers who
This report is dedicated
contributed their work
to the cadre of 400 local Volunteers
for the 2000 annual
who contribute their time,
talents, and energy report.
to the mission of
Direct Relief International. They are high school and college PHOTO CREDITS:
students, retirees, stay-at-home
1. File, Santa Barbara;
moms, practicing physicians and
lawyers, and business people from 2. (a) Chris Centrella
many fields. Each brings
& (b) File; 4. Jill
extraordinary enthusiasm and a
sense of service to the Direct Relief Reardon, Bolivia; 6.
mission.
File, Guyana; 7. File,
Their involvement - whether Honduras; 8. (a) & (b)
refurbishing medical equipment,
Linda Jo Stern,
assisting with physical inventory,
rolling bandages, conducting Honduras; 9. File,
research, or writing thank you
Uganda; 10. (a) Dick
notes to our supporters - is
essential to the character and Mathews, Ghana, & (b)
success of the organization.
File, Santa Barbara; 12.
For 53 years, Direct Relief Ted Savage, Tibet; 13.
International has been able to help
(a) & (b) Jay Farbman,
people trying to overcome
enormous challenges because great India; 14. File, Uganda;
people have been willing to put
15. (a) & (b) Kathy
their shoulder into any task
necessary. Our low overhead is Poma, Bulgaria; 16.
due, in large part, to their big
Gerry Melendez,
hearts and helpful hands.
Turkey; 17. Ken
Esther Smith, volunteer, packing supplies at DRI
We salute you. Grimwood, Santa
Barbara; 18. Jill
Reardon, Mexico
1.
3. FROM THE PRESIDENT & CEO FROM THE CHAIR
As a newcomer to Direct Relief 2000 was another record year for
International in 2000, I am honored Direct Relief International, during
to report on the organization’s which we shipped pharmaceuticals,
activities for the year. As the facts medical supplies, and equipment
noted by Chairman Dick Godfrey worth over $67 million at wholesale
reflect, the year was highly produc- values to assist over 9.7 million
tive. We expanded our assistance- people in developing countries. We
program by more than 27% to a did this with remarkable productivity,
record $67 million, providing which Forbes Magazine noted in their
assistance to almost 10 million people. The people we serve December 11th issue when they named DRI one of the most
typically are outside the reach of even minimal health safety nets efficient charities in the country!
and these resources make a profound, positive difference in their
lives. Last year was also noteworthy for our success in attracting Thomas
Tighe to be our new President and CEO. Thomas was previously
But underlying these numbers are millions of personal stories that Chief of Staff and Chief Operating Officer of the Peace Corps
provide the motivation and hope that fuels our work. In El where he served with great distinction for the past seven years.
Salvador, a local dentist was overjoyed with basic dental hand He has outstanding credentials as well as the vision and compas-
tools and supplies that allowed her to repair children’s damaged sion to lead this organization successfully into the 21st century.
teeth, not simply pull them. A shipment to Kenya of pain relief
and antibiotic medicines allowed people living with HIV/AIDS With the splendid efforts of a small, immensely talented and hard
to combat opportunistic infection and spend more quality time working staff, a dedicated Board, and a host of remarkable
with their families in an unimaginably tragic situation. In volunteers, we have almost tripled our shipments over the past
Ethiopia, displaced persons from the Ethiopia-Eritrea conflict three years. As we continue to grow, we need to attract financial
were able to receive health services – in outdoor hospitals and support from outside the Santa Barbara community. As one of the
clinics set up in caves – because of essential medicines and oldest humanitarian aid agencies in the country with a sterling 53
supplies that we were able to provide. And through a Direct year history, we should be able to expand our constituency. As a
Relief International program in the Bolivian rainforest, thou- first step, we have formed an impressive Advisory Board under the
sands of indigenous people received medical care and health leadership of Frank Magid to guide us on this path.
education.
With the assistance of the well-known actor, John Forsythe, our
In our 53rd year, the people who comprise Direct Relief Interna- endowment fund will secure the financial future of the agency.
tional remain committed to its longstanding model of strength- With a pace-setting gift from a loyal Board member, we have
ening local efforts and working directly with local people. We do grown these assets 480% since 1998 to a present value of $3.5
this by supporting the talented, ethical, committed, and often million.
unsung local heroes who, confronted with tremendous challenges
of poverty and health risks, devote their lives to improving the Today, over two thirds of the world’s population lives in poverty,
quality of life for people in their communities and countries. just trying to exist from day to day. Good health is fundamental to
Several of these people are highlighted in the following report. earning a living and having the ability to get ahead. We are
thankful for your support of our work.
Recognizing the enormity of the challenge, we remain commit-
ted to making every dollar count. We are deeply appreciative of
our supporters, who make our work possible.
Richard Godfrey
2.
Thomas Tighe
4. Local Solutions . . .
Worldwide
The year 2000 was the 52nd year of operations for Over the course of the year, Direct Relief Interna-
Direct Relief International. The year was marked by tional provided 24.3 million discrete courses of
significantly expanded efforts to help people in the treatment, sufficient to reach an estimated 9.7
developing world achieve healthier, more productive million people living in impoverished or medically
lives by strengthening local health facilities and under-served areas of the world. In addition to
programs. Direct Relief International provided supporting our worldwide network of health institu-
material assistance of critically needed medical tions and programs, Direct Relief also responded to a
resources donated by manufacturers. These products, number of new emergency situations and continued
with a wholesale value of more than $67 million, efforts to assist countries still struggling with the
were furnished to over 500 locally managed health effects of devastating natural disasters such as
care facilities and organizations in 53 countries Hurricane Mitch, flooding in Venezuela, and
around the world. These hospitals, clinics, dispensa- earthquakes in Turkey.
ries, and health care programs are run by trained,
ethical, and committed local people who seek our Direct Relief International’s heightened level of
assistance and complete a thorough screening and assistance in 2000 was possible because of increased
reference-check process. Many of them are support from the extensive network of corporate,
longstanding partners of Direct Relief, and some of foundation, and individual donors who provide the
their extraordinary efforts in the face of tremendous organization with medical products, services, and
challenges are highlighted in this report. financial support.
3.
5. Latin America and the Caribbean
In 2000, Direct Relief International provided material assistance to strengthen local efforts in 18 countries in Latin
America and the Caribbean: Bahamas, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador,
Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Nicaragua, Peru, and Venezuela.
Although health care is and Tacana Indians living in
improving in some countries isolated villages and settlements
in the Latin America and along the Beni River in north-
Caribbean region, many western Bolivia. This remote
hospitals and clinics still area, at the base of the Andes
suffer significantly from Mountains where the Amazon
inadequate resources to Jungle begins to form, is one of
address the basic health needs the poorest and least accessible
of poor people in the region. in the country. Lack of clean
Highly uneven income water and inadequate sanitation
distribution has resulted in render inhabitants vulnerable to
more than a third of the various debilitating tropical
population living below the diseases. Annual flooding
poverty line. The region’s 40 during the rainy season prohib-
million indigenous people, its travel and leaves villagers
who constitute the bulk of without emergency care for
the “absolute poor,” are acute medical conditions and
excluded from the develop- injuries.
ment process and deprived of
income opportunities and Three years ago, the Rio Beni
basic public services such as Health Project began offering
education, health care, and regular health care in the region
DRI training program,Rurrenabaque, Bolivia
housing. Historically, the providing communities with
Latin America and Caribbean region has been a consistent and reliable health services for the first
major focus for Direct Relief, a tradition that time. The project consists of a mobile health team
continued in 2000 with 93 shipments to 18 coun- which conducts clinics on a regular basis, travelling
tries. by motorized launch or 4-wheel drive vehicle to 19
villages in the surrounding countryside. Over 5,000
Bolivia people that inhabit this isolated region have been
Rio Beni Health Project treated at scheduled clinics which often extend
The Rio Beni Health Project strives to improve through the night in order to complete all of the
access to primary health care for Chimane, Quechua, consultations.
(continued)
4.
6. PROFILE: Dr. Carl Niamatali Guyana
Dr. Carl Niamatali is Consultant Physi- Direct Relief International: Who does your clinic serve?
cian, Hematologist-Oncologist to the
Medical Diagnostic Centre in Guyana. Dr.
Niamatali was born in Guyana, South
America. He received his medical training
at the University College Galway, Ireland.
He was also trained at the Hammersmith
Hospital, Royal Postgraduate Medical
“ I cannot
emphasize
Carl Niamatali: We see patients turned away at the hospital
because they can’t afford to pay. If they go to the free public
hospitals, they may be seen by a doctor and receive a diagno-
sis, but the hospital may not have any medicine. I am the
only doctor at the Clinic but I have a good experienced staff.
School, and the Westminster Hospital in We provide all types of general medical services, including
London. He specialized in Hematology-
enough how basic lab tests, blood sugars, urinalysis, blood counts, etc., and
Oncology and was a consultant Hematolo- critical take care of 300 children who are in various orphanages in the
gist-Oncologist at the Regional Hospital in town and the students at the handicapped school.
it is for
Galway. He has published several papers
and was involved in clinical cancer studies Direct Relief On weekends we go to remote areas of the rain forest and do
and research in Europe. Dr. Niamatali is
to continue outreach, providing services and bringing anyone who needs
an Executive member and Secretary of the
the lifeline specialized care back to the clinic. In those areas, poverty is
Medical Association of Guyana and heads
its Medical Education Program. He is a greatest and few health services are available. We are doing
of supplies health education because we believe it is a very critical part of
member of the Cancer Board and a former
Rotarian. because that delivering health care.
is what they
The Medical Diagnostic & Therapeutic DRI: What is the status of health in Guyana?
Centre primarily serves the scattered and are doing.
impoverished communities surrounding the
CN: For children, the most common childhood illnesses are
city of New Amsterdam. The Centre
diarrhea and other gastrointestinal problems. Because of poor
provides general medical services, emer-
sanitation and water, antibiotics and oral rehydration salts are
gency and acute care, as well as very basic That is what important. Direct Relief has provided Vermox and drugs like
laboratory services. The Centre also
provides outreach clinics to the remote rural Direct Relief that for worm infestation. These are extremely useful. We
villages, most of which have no access to literally is, also see a lot of kids who suffer from malnutrition, so the
regular medical care and are extremely poor. Direct Relief vitamin supplements are great.
Malaria is endemic to the area. Frequent
a lifeline to
outbreaks of dengue fever, seasonal droughts the people in For women, maternal mortality is high and so is neonatal
and flooding, and poor sanitation and water
such great mortality. Education is important, to encourage and remind
also exacerbate the fragile health of these
women to understand signs and seek checkups — hyperten-
vulnerable communities. Hypertension, need in sion and diabetes during pregnancy is dangerous.
pelvic inflammatory disease and cervical
cancer among women, diabetes and
Guyana.
cardiovascular disease are the most common Malaria is endemic in the rainforest and remote areas where
there is not ready access to diagnostics, microscopes, and
“
conditions among the people served.
testing. Sometimes there is a shortage of basic treatment as
5.
7. Latin America continued
well. Unfortunately quite a few people die every year from
malaria for lack of treatment or misdiagnosis. Direct Relief, with the support of corporate partners
such as Janssen Pharmaceutica, Glaxo Wellcome,
DRI: How does Direct Relief International work with you? and Bausch & Lomb, has been supplying pharma-
ceuticals, medical supplies, and medical equipment
to the project since its initiation, and is now
expanding its role to include preventive health
education and training. A feasibility study com-
pleted in May of 2000 identified the project as an
excellent candidate for a health-promoter training
program. The new training component is a five-year
initiative to promote an integrated approach to
health care, one that combines primary health care
with essential health education and training. By
November 2000, two volunteers from each of 10
local communities had been selected by their
villages to participate in long-term training. The
promoters will learn how to diagnose and treat a
significant percentage of common health problems
as well as promote important preventive health
Dr. Carl Niamatali (right)
practices. Direct Relief will design and supply
medical kits comprised of basic medications,
supplies, diagnostic equipment, and educational
materials, for each of the health promoters.
CN: The assistance that Direct Relief International has given
to various institutions in the country has been invaluable. Honduras
They provide medical goods for the clinic and outreach Comite De Emergencia Garifuna
program which have been enormously helpful. Because of Located on the sparsely populated northern coast of
what Direct Relief provides, we are able to go out into areas Honduras, the Comite De Emergencia Garifuna
and provide health care where there is nothing. The equip- works with local public health facilities throughout
ment that Direct Relief has given us, such as Midmark the region in an effort to improve the quality of life
autoclaves and patient monitors, have enabled us to do for the indigenous Garifuna population. Numbering
surgery. Stretchers, patient gurneys, again, immensely useful. about 400,000, the Garifuna are an ethnic mix of
I got a spinal board from Direct Relief that has been helpful in black and indigenous people that have inhabited
this remote area since colonial times. Since then,
taxiing and immobilizing patients.
and in spite of over 200 years of continued racial
discrimination and isolation, the Garifuna have
Without this support, I am not certain that I would be able to
managed to maintain aspects of African culture
do the medical outreach programs or provide certain services
through their unique language, music, dance, oral
at the clinic. Resources are very scarce or unaffordable. traditions, and religious beliefs.
(continued) 6.
8. Latin America continued
PROFILE:
Direct Relief has supported the Emergency Linda Jo Stern, MPH
Committee for the Garifuna since it was formed Linda Jo Stern, MPH, is
in response to the devastation caused by Director of PROMESA, a
Hurricane Mitch in 1998. Despite the fact that service, training and
the northern coast of Honduras was heavily
“
education project in Hondu-
damaged in this disaster, little national or
ras. Ms. Stern holds a
international assistance became available to the
degree in Nutritional
Garifuna due to their remote location and to
Science and earned her
other geographic and political concerns.
Masters in Public Health at
Boston University School of
Training is
Suzanne Shende, Coordinator for the Commit-
tee, writes: “DRI donated medicines and equipment Public Health. She has essential to
have been sent to the regional hospital in Trujillo, as devoted her work specifically self-sufficiency.
well as small village health centers, such as that in to the communities of the
Cusana, a small agricultural town without electric- Yeguare region of Honduras
ity, phones, or year-round accessibility. Your since 1994. But training
assistance even extends to the most marginalized of
alone doesn’t
towns where there isn’t even a health center, as first The goal of PROMESA is
aid supplies are sent to trained health workers in to improve the health status,
solve the
villages like Punta Piedra and Iriona Viejo.” knowledge, and self-reliance problem.
of the Yeguare Region of
Honduras by developing
partner projects with
Direct Relief’s
families, communities, and material
community-based organiza- assistance is
Asusena Garcia tions in the region.
sets off before PROMESA provides health
an essential part
dawn with the assessment, diagnosis, and of the overall
first aid treatment through the use of program plan
supplies for the Health Brigades to the 72
town of Iriona remote villages of the
to achieve a
Viejo, on the Yeguare River basin. sustainable
remote northern
Medical supplies, pharma- health program.
coast of
ceuticals, and medical
Honduras.
equipment provided by
Asusena is a
Direct Relief International
native
7.
Garifuna.
help make these Health
Brigades possible.
(continued) “
9. Linda Jo Stern continued
PROMESA also supports 16 health centers have to train them how to use them. It
scattered throughout the river basin. doesn’t come naturally. The basics of what
we call first aid must be taught.
Direct Relief International: The The second level is prevention. Often
PROMESA project is a health component children have severe conditions like
of the rural development work at Zamorano parasites or respiratory infections. One
College in Honduras. How did it come must first help the family cure the illnesses
about? and then there’s space and time and quiet to
learn the preventive part.
Linda Jo Stern: Zamorano College identi-
fied a catchment area called the Yeguare The third level involves training existing
River basin. They recognized that water, community leaders and community health
sanitation, etc. is important, but health workers. These are people who have a
must be addressed concurrently with rural leadership role, have been chosen by their
development so health services and health communities as leaders— maybe they know
assessment are included. Direct Relief how to read and write— and they are the
provides the material resources they need ones that are available and accessible to the
and we help provide the training so that villagers.
they can do the work that they are supposed
to do. The goal is to help these clinics DRI: What are the greatest needs in these
become self-sufficient. villages?
DRI: Train- LJS: These
ing is such an health These boxes, in transit to a rural clinic in Honduras,
important contain supplies provided by DRI.
workers are
component to desperately in
the process of need of needed item is mebendazole which we use
building local materials. for parasites, and Biaxin, an antibiotic. So
leadership Basic first aid everybody now knows how to deparasitize
and develop- items are their children and themselves. We leave
ing real, really most them with that. Other things we could
sustainable needed. We leave them with if we had them are prenatal
change in the see people supplements and birth control.
health status walking
of communi- around with Health workers in these villages know what
ties. gaping they need. They may not recognize an
wounds, no opportunity or know of ways of gaining
LJS: Yes, bandages. resources - that’s where organizations like
training is the Now Johnson PROMESA and Direct Relief come in. We
way to go, & Johnson can bring technology or knowledge or ways
especially if products are of providing information or care to them,
you believe in the concept of self-determi- the best, especially the first aid products like especially if they don’t have access to
nation. I believe there are a number of bandages. I mean this sounds ridiculously information.
levels of training. The first is just teaching simple but you wouldn’t believe how
the families how to use the materials; this important it is down there to have a
sometimes involves the Direct Relief bandage that sticks. Johnson & Johnson
commodities. If you bring materials in you bandages stick. Another example of a 8.
10. Africa
In 2000, Direct Relief International provided material assistance to local facilities, programs, and organizations in
12 African Countries: Congo, Eritrea, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria , Sierra
Leone, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia
Rich in natural resources but beset by ethnic and tribal
violence, political instability, poverty, disease and famine,
Africa presents what many consider to be the greatest
challenge to global development. Out of the 25 countries
that the U.N. describes as “low human development”
countries, 22 are in Africa; 33 of the 47 “Least Developed
Countries” are in Africa. The devastating effect of HIV/
AIDS has led to a major drop in life expectancy in many
countries and resulted in millions of orphans, many of
whom must fend for themselves because of scarce to non-
existent social- and health-support services. In 2000,
Direct Relief identified several new partner institutions and
health programs, and increased assistance levels to Africa 2000 DRI shipment being received in Uganda
through 33 medical donations.
An average 100 women and children come to a clinic each
day, but in the past the staff has had few or none of the critical
Ghana medicines and supplies needed for treatment. In 2000, with
Jehovah Rapha Health Care Foundation funding from the Carsey-Werner Company, Direct Relief was
The Jehovah Rapha Health Care Foundation supports 30 able to provide its second shipment to Jehovah Rapha. The
community health clinics in the southwest region of Ghana shipment included antibiotics, prenatal vitamins, children’s
with supplies, guidance and technical training. The chewable vitamins, oral contraceptives, baby scales, oral
Foundation’s Director, Madam Oku, is a registered nurse rehydration salts, exam gloves, needles and syringes, pediatric
and third generation midwife. blood pressure cuffs, and other primary care supplies. Corpo-
rate donors including Becton-Dickinson, Ethicon and Ortho-
The focus of each clinic is to serve the needs of women and McNeil provided major material support for this project.
children by providing pre- and post-natal care, immuniza-
tions, well-baby exams, family planning, and other primary Tanzania
care services. In addition, the Foundation promotes Nyakato AIDS Outreach Project
preventive health care through community talks on topics “I hope that Direct Relief will be able to help us! We have 190
such as health during pregnancy, early symptoms of AIDS patients in the Nyakato area, and that number is growing all
childhood diseases, nutrition, and safe sexual practices. the time. We know that any help you can give us will be very
Each clinic is staffed with one nurse, two midwives, and greatly appreciated by these AIDS patients. We don’t have access
several health assistants, all of whom reside in the commu- to the new ‘therapies’ but the antibiotics, etc. are very helpful to us
nity they serve. in treating the opportunistic infections that people get.”
- Sister Veronica, Project Director
9..
11. PROFILE: John Ganda
Sierra Leone
Against the overwhelming statistics and enormity
of the AIDS pandemic, Sister Veronica’s outreach John Ganda, Ph.D., is Founder and Director of the
program may seem insignificant. Yet it is exactly
Ndegbormei Development Organization in Sierra Leone. A
these local, community based services that will
native of Sierra Leone, Dr. Ganda has dedicated his life and
eventually prove effective in changing behavior
career to aiding the people of this war torn nation. His
and African societal attitudes toward this terrible
experience includes
disease. In the meantime, the project provides
comfort and support to individuals suffering both working with the
physically from the virus, and emotionally from the Peace Corps in
stigma of having AIDS. Sierra Leone,
recruiting, training,
According to the UNAIDS Report on the Global placing, and
HIV/AIDS Epidemic, the “essential package” of supervising both
testing, counseling, psychosocial support, palliative volunteers and staff.
care, prevention and community activism, is the
minimal level of care and outreach required for Sierra Leone has
assistance to AIDS affected communities when been rated last in
more comprehensive resources are not available.
the Human Devel-
Following these guidelines, Direct Relief supports
John Ganda opment Index as the
HIV/AIDS programs such as the Nyakato AIDS
poorest country in
Outreach Project that are providing medical
the world. The social and political fabric of the country has
services, education, and outreach.
been torn by a protracted civil war that, though there has
been a cease fire, continues to impact every aspect of life.
There are no proper medical facilities nor education facilities
in the country. Agriculture has come to a standstill.
Established in 1982, Ndegbormei Development Organization
was founded as a network of non-governmental organizations
within Sierra Leone. Through cooperation and the sharing of
resources and expertise, the network is slowly addressing
DRI program
various social development issues -- primarily the health care
officer Kelly
needs of women and children. Their plans include the
Darnell in Ghana
with Madame
construction, supply, and staffing of a children’s hospital to be
Oku, Director of located on the outskirts of Freetown where access to quality
the Jehovah medical care is scarce.
Rapha Health (continued)
Care Foundation
10.
12. John Ganda continued
Direct Relief International: Help us understand life in damaged during the war— with beds, with They need a lot more wheelchairs, crutches,
Sierra Leone. medicines. orthopedic supplies— the rural areas have received
very little. The lack of clean water is one of the
John Ganda: Sierra Leone has been rated in the DRI: What are the major health issues in Sierra major problems. During the war a lot of the village
Human Development Index as the poorest country in Leone? wells were polluted. The rebels killed people and
the world. There are no proper medical facilities, no dumped them in the wells. The rivers and streams
proper education facilities. Agriculture has come to a JG: Many amputees and people maimed by war. upon which people rely have also been polluted.
standstill. The war that started in 1991 has devastated Typhoid, cholera, diarrhea, and dysentery are major
everything. Young men— who were able-bodied problems. Diarrhea and dysentery affect children
agricultural workers— have either been killed, had
their arms amputated, or they’ve been recruited by the
rebels to fight and cannot go back home.
DRI: How do you operate under these conditions?
“ Many have
particularly. HIV is another. It was heightened by
the war because a lot of girls were raped and many
of them have come up with this virus. But we don’t
have the medical facility to properly diagnose them,
no proper laboratory facility. Some are dying
without having been properly diagnosed. And we
JG: We are working with the amputees and with
forgotten do not know if it is something else.
internally displaced persons. We give amputees Sierra Leone,
wheelchairs and provide them with food. In the Bo DRI: Where do you focus, and what are your goals
District, we have a whole chiefdom of about 60,000
or offer for the organization and for Sierra Leone generally?
persons that we are trying to support with medicines, only
food, clothing, wheelchairs— everything we can get. JG: The youth have been silent for a long time.
But we want to go beyond looking at just the victims of
commentary This rebel war was the only thing that brought them
the war. We want to look at the families, because at and advice. out. Because they have the guns we listen to them.
the end of the day those victims will have to rely on But when they put the guns down we still need to
their families for support. listen to them. Why did they fight? What were
Direct Relief they fighting for? And where did we go wrong? We
need to empower these people toward positive ends.
Last January we started working with an orphanage for is a One very important tool of empowerment is
street children, abandoned children or those affected
by the war. We also have set up home care centers. respectful education. And for education we need learning
materials.
We have two nurses and three volunteer doctors who partner.
work with us, and they require the supplies from Direct
Relief. There is only one children’s hospital in the We are also working with the women. We are
training them in dressmaking, growing and
country. It is poorly staffed, under-supplied, and under- We are very processing different foods, and as traditional birth
equipped. We want to build another.
grateful attendants. We want to help them become leaders
DRI: How has Direct Relief International supported for the in the community. It is good to ask for help but it is
these efforts? good to see what you can do for yourself. That is
assistance what our five-year program with Direct Relief is all
JG: Direct Relief’s partnership has helped tremen- to help about. What we are looking at is a whole approach.
dously. The material has allowed us to expand and The hospital and health program is an introduction
assist other district hospitals and the children’s hospital
save lives. into community development programs. We are
very grateful to DRI for all the support we are
11. getting.
13. Asia and the Pacific
In 2000, Direct Relief International provided material assistance to strengthen local efforts in 9 countries
in Asia and the Pacific: Afghanistan, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, North Korea, Pakistan, Philippines,
South Korea, and Sri Lanka
Home to two-thirds of humanity, much of the Asia and hospital performs an average of 2,000 sight restoring
Pacific region is undergoing enormous change as it operations free of charge each year. In addition,
grows rapidly and industrializes. Along with economic 50,000 outpatients receive screenings and treatment
growth, industrialization creates more transient at a nearby satellite clinic, and 22 mobile “eye
populations which can fuel such epidemics as HIV/ camps” are conducted throughout the state. The
AIDS. Many epidemiologists fear that India will Association also distributes high-dose vitamin A to
become the children and
next major lactating mothers
battleground of in 14 local
the AIDS villages. The
pandemic. vitamin prevents
Economic blindness and
progress has strengthens
brought better resistance to
living condi- infectious
tions for much diseases.
of the region,
but most of the In May 2000,
population is with funding
still living in from The
poverty and Allergan Founda-
without tion, Direct
adequate Relief Interna-
health care. In 2000, Direct Relief made 35 shipments tional provided a large shipment of exam and surgical
to 9 countries in the Asia and Pacific region. equipment to the Gujarat Blind Relief Association.
The assistance package included a phacoemulsifier
India (cataract extraction unit), an operating microscope,
Gujarat Blind Relief Association and ophthalmic gurneys, chairs, stands, instruments,
One third of all of the blind people on earth live in and supplies; medicines donated by Alcon Laborato-
India. Even more astonishing is that the vast majority ries and other corporate donors were also provided.
of these cases of blindness are completely preventable Special training in the use of the phaco machine
or easily treatable. The Shri R.M. Eye Hospital was conducted by the manufacturer was arranged and
founded in the 1950’s and is operated by the Gujarat took place in Bombay. Dr. Doshi, an 82-year old
Blind Relief and Health Association. The 100-bed ophthalmic surgeon who has dedicated his life to
(continued) 12.
14. Asia and the Pacific continued
restoring sight and continues to perform hundreds of further contaminating the floodwaters. The most
operations at the eye hospital each year, was thrilled needed commodities were safe water to drink, rice to
upon receiving the shipment. eat, and medicine to cure
In a letter sent to Direct diarrhea and bacterial
Relief, Dr. Doshi stated, “So infections from contaminated
many grandparents will see their floodwater and to treat
grandchildren for the first time communicable diseases, such
and be able to perform their as pneumonia, acquired from
family and village responsibilities the overcrowded living
again due to the use of this conditions.
incredible equipment. Thanks
so much for remembering us.” The Sihanouk Hospital
Center of Hope sent special
Cambodia outreach teams to deliver food
Sihanouk Hospital and shelter materials to
Severe rains during the early communities in desperate
monsoon season filled the need of relief. Physicians and
lower Mekong River in nurses from the hospital set up
Cambodia and Vietnam makeshift clinics to treat
beyond capacity in the villagers. With the support of
autumn of 2000. In many of McNeil Consumer, Direct
the flooded areas, entire Relief was able to provide
villages of people and animals were living in the needed medicines. Medical donations were also
local pagoda, the only building remaining above provided to four area health facilities including
water, on bamboo platforms built in trees, or in the district hospitals and health centers. Team members
rafters of their houses. All of the affected villages commented that, “it was so gratifying to see the trail of
lost their rice crop. The lack of dry land resulted in villagers returning to their homes after being treated at the
the water surrounding these village islands being clinics, wading through water thigh deep with large sacks
used for drinking, cooking, bathing, washing clothes of rice on their heads, their children trailing behind. You
and dishes, and as the garbage dump and toilet. The could see in their grateful eyes a little bit of relief for their
animals were drowning or dying from lack of food, hearts and some food for their hungry stomachs.”
13.
15. Biomedical Equipment:
Essential Tools for Health Care
You’re sick or injured. You go to a hospital or clinic, enced staff and volunteers refurbish used, donated
but the doctor has no diagnostic medical equipment, equipment suitable for use in partner facilities
sterile instruments, or medicines to provide. It is a throughout the developing world. Necessary power
frightening thought, yet a daily occurrence for people conversions and plug configurations are completed
living in developing countries. prior to shipment, and each item is shipped with a
technical manual. These tools have sustaining value
Appropriate medical equipment is essential for to health facilities and enable doctors and nurses to
health-care providers to help patients. provide better care to sick and injured people.
For 25 years, In 2000, Direct Relief
Direct Relief International provided
International has more than 5,000
provided a broad individual biomedical
range of equip- items to facilities in 36
ment to indig- countries, including
enous facilities to more than 400
help strengthen autoclaves, 25 dialysis
local health units, 85 wheelchairs,
efforts. The 350 blood pressure kits,
equipment ranges 100 operating and
from basic items exam tables, dozens of
such as stethoscopes and dental hand instruments to dental chairs and related equipment, and hundreds of
more advanced, if far from cutting edge, electronic pediatric-care items including ambu (respiratory)
devices such as ventilators, defibrillators, electrocar- bags, nebulizers, and ventilators.
diograph (EKG) machines and autoclaves (which
sterilize medical instruments). Wheelchairs, walkers, The wholesale market value of these products
dental chairs, and other assistive devices are also exceeded $3.1 million. However, to the recipients,
furnished to resource-poor facilities. these items are priceless.
A qualified Biomedical Engineer oversees the Direct
Relief International biomedical program. Experi-
14.
(Background: Refurbished Sterilizers)
16. Eastern Europe,Russia and the NIS
In 2000, Direct Relief International provided assistance to local organizations in 9 countries in the region:
Albania, Armenia, Bulgaria, Croatia, Estonia, Lithuania, Romania, Ukraine and Yugoslavia
The collapse of the Soviet Union provided some East medical equipment is in dire need of updating. In
European countries the opportunity to thrive, while some hospitals, they witnessed patients being carried
others are still struggling through economic and social up stairs in the arms of a family member, because there
upheaval. With the end of the highly centralized were no wheelchairs or stretchers and the aging
Soviet distribution system, medical supplies are no facilities lack elevators.
longer available from neighboring Eastern bloc
countries and must be purchased from Western In spite of these difficult conditions, most physicians
European companies using scarce hard currency believe the current situation is temporary. Dr. Stefan
reserves. In Zerovski, Deputy
2000, Direct Director of the
Relief was able municipal
to ease some of hospital in Pernik
the shortages this sums up the
situation has prevailing mood,
created by “We believe that
making 29 in a few years we
shipments to 9 will be able to
countries. take care of
ourselves. In the
Bulgaria Bulgaria’s rich history, and empty pharmacy shelves meantime, Direct
Hospital Support Relief’s help has
Bulgaria has suffered an enormous financial crisis made an incredible difference.”
resulting in the deterioration of the health care system
and other infrastructures. In September, 2000, Direct In 2000, Direct Relief sent 10 medical donations to
Relief senior program officer Katherine Poma and seven hospitals located throughout Bulgaria. Recipi-
pharmacist Cathleen Grabowski conducted an ents included five general hospitals, a respiratory
assessment trip, visiting a number of hospitals facility which specializes in treating adult and pediatric
throughout Bulgaria. They reported that many health asthma, and the country’s main cardiology institute.
facilities lack even the most basic medicines and that
15.
17. Middle East
In 2000, Direct Relief International provided assistance to local organizations in: Iraq, Gaza,
Lebanon and Turkey
Conditions improved in 2000 in some parts of organization for 18 tent cities that continued to
the Middle East, such as Lebanon, but deterio- house hundreds of thousands of homeless citizens,
rated in others, such as the Gaza Strip in Israel. was selected to receive additional general support
The civil strife that has long plagued much of including large quantities of personal care
the Middle East increases patient loads at already products. Abant Izzet Baysal University Hospital,
overtaxed hospitals and contributes to the a teaching facility in Duzce that treated over
overall deterioration of public health. In the fall
of 1999, massive earthquakes struck Turkey and
rebuilding efforts became the focus of our
assistance there throughout 2000. Direct Relief
made 9 shipments in 2000 to 4 countries in the
Middle East.
Turkey
Earthquake Rehabilitation
The earthquakes that struck Turkey in August
and November of 1999 totally devastated the
northwestern region of the country. Tens of
Temporary shelter for earthquake victims, Turkey
thousands of lives were lost, with greater
numbers of people injured and families left 2,000 injured patients after the second earth-
homeless. Direct Relief International responded quake, was chosen to receive a series of donations
within 72 hours with its first major shipment and of medical equipment. Until new medical clinics
followed up with nine more through the end of as well as a general hospital are constructed to
1999. In January of 2000, program officer Mike replace those destroyed, this facility will be
Hayes visited Turkey to evaluate the distribution providing the bulk of all secondary and tertiary
and use of the emergency shipments and to assess care services to the local population. In 2000,
the intermediate and long-term rehabilitation Direct Relief sent two shipments of medical
needs of the affected areas. equipment including patient monitoring and
other devices to complete a new intensive care
Lojistik Destek Koordinasyon, the coordinating unit.
16.
18. United States
Direct Relief’s on- target homeless
going work in the children in Santa
United States Barbara with dental
focuses on respond- education and care.
ing to the needs of Dental care has been
under-served, low- identified as the
income families as number one unmet
well as the chal- health care need by a
lenges faced by number of health care
Native American authorities in Califor-
populations. In nia and Santa Barbara
2000, 20 shipments County, but there have
were made to health been no programs that
care organizations in DRI program officer Martha Angeles provides dental education specifically targeted
the U.S. In addition the dental needs of
to donating medical commodities to local health homeless children. Dental care is often ne-
facilities and programs, Direct Relief provides glected because of the many overwhelming
personal care products to social service agencies problems that homelessness creates, but inter-
and shelters, equips schools with containers and vention with education and care at a young age
emergency first aid supplies for disaster prepared- can impact the health and self-esteem of these
ness, screens high-risk seniors for osteoporosis, children for the rest of their lives. “Healthy
and provides children with dental education, Smiles” offers bilingual dental hygiene work-
services and supplies. shops for children living at a local homeless
shelter, provides dental supplies for the entire
“Healthy Smiles” is Direct Relief’s newest family, and follows up with dental appointments
domestic program and it has been designed to as needed.
17.
19. Special Thanks
for Extraordinary Support We extend
special
Direct Relief International is honored by every contribution we receive -
from individual people, from corporations and businesses, from
thanks:
foundations, service organizations, church groups, and classrooms. Each
contribution represents a judgment and a trust in our efforts to assist To the Santa Barbara County
those without means and facing enormous health challenges to have a Vintners' Association, who
better chance at a better life. Our commitment, both to those who have dedicated to us the proceeds from
honored us with their trust and to those whom we strive to serve, is to the Harvest Moon Wine
make every dollar count toward advancing this important mission. Auction. Their first-ever charity
gala raised more than $250,000,
enabling us to provide
approximately 20 shipments of
critically needed medicines,
supplies, and equipment.
To our largest corporate partners,
who contributed generously to the
total of more than $75 million in
product we received in 2000.
Many thanks to Abbott
Laboratories, Johnson &
Johnson, Merck & Co., Becton-
Dickinson, Midmark, Ortho-
McNeil, TEVA USA, and
Watson Pharmaceuticals.
To the several persons who made
significant financial contributions
and requested anonymity.
20. STATEMENT OF ACTIVITIES
Direct Relief’s
Expanding Assistance PUBLIC SUPPORT & REVENUE
Public Support
(medical assistance wholesale values 1996-2000)
Contributions in-kind $76,886,255
Contributed freight 234,411
Contributions in cash and securities 3,887,563
1996 $25,228,933 81,008,229
Revenue
Earnings from investments and
miscellaneous income 209,269
TOTAL PUBLIC SUPPORT
AND REVENUE 81,217,498
1997 $25,074,167 EXPENSES
Program Services
Value of medical donations shipped
by Direct Relief 67,849,831
Freight provided to Direct Relief 234,411
Operations and shipping 1,764,439
Contributed services 48,262
69,896,943
1998 $27,852,382 Supporting Services
Resource acquisition 532,343
Administration 396,699
TOTAL EXPENSES 70,825,985
INCREASE IN NET ASSETS $10,391,513
1999 $52,931,445 STATEMENT OF CASH FLOW
Cash flows from operating activities
Increase in net assets $10,391,513
Adjustments to reconcile change in net asset to net
cash (used) provided by operating activities
In-kind receipt of inventory (76,811,999)
In-kind shipment of inventory 67,849,831
2000 $67,849,831 Depreciation 74,568
Investment adjustments 0
Changes in operating
assets and liabilities (109,855)
Net cash provided by operating activities 1,394,058
Net cash used by investing activities (1,526,803)
Net cash used by financing activities (34,437)
10 20 30 40 50 60 70 Net decrease in cash ($167,182)
19.
21. STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION Maintaining Low
Fundraising and
ASSETS
Current Assets
Administrative Expenses
(as a percent of Total Public Support and Revenue)
Cash and cash equivalents $2,174,816
Receivables 170,596
Inventories 27,280,404
Prepaid expenses 23,793 2.45% 1996
29,649,609
Other Assets
Future interest in Unitrust
2.68% 1997
1,227,563
Investments 163,434
Receivables 10,000 2.07% 1998
Property and equipment 3,609,893
Miscellaneous 15,160
TOTAL ASSETS $34,675,659 .94% 1999
LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS
1.14% 2000
Current Liabilities
Payables $105,060
Current portion of long-term debt 25,219
Other liabilities 8,710 % 1 2 3
138,989
Other Liabilities
Long-term debt 1,694,159
Distribution payable
Capital lease obligation
63,667 Growing Support from
0
TOTAL LIABILITIES 1,896,815 Product Donors
Net Assets
Unrestricted net assets 28,670,438
Temporarily restricted 4,108,315
TOTAL NET ASSETS 32,778,753
1996 $17,005,338
TOTAL LIABILITIES 1997 $19,562,191
AND NET ASSETS $34,675,568
1998 $32,812,605
1999 $58,192,096
2000 $76,811,999
10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80
20.
22. Donations
Corporations providing medical Warner Lambert Consumer Healthcare Hanvit America Bank
in-kind contributions Watson Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Thank you to the individual donors who donated Haskell Fund
Abbott Laboratories medical equipment and supplies for the clinics and Help Diocese of Kikwit in Zaire
Alcon Laboratories, Inc. hospitals overseas. Conrad N. Hilton Foundation
Allergan, Inc. Medical facilities, organizations and Organizations, including corporations and Hitching Post Wines
Bausch & Lomb Pharmaceuticals, Inc. institutions providing medical in-kind foundations, providing cash or non-medical Home Depot
Bayer Diagnostic contributions valued at $5,000 or more in-kind contributions of $1,000 or more H.H. Horton Philanthropic Trust
Becton Dickinson & Company AmeriCares African Poverty Eradication Commission Hosford Family Foundation
Biotrol International Cancer Center of Santa Barbara Allergan Foundation Human Dignity Program
Carlsbad Technology, Inc. Carrillo Community Medical Clinic Alpha Development Agency Inc. Hutton Foundation
Ciba Vision Corporation Casa Dorinda Retirement Community American Jewish World Service Independent Charities of America
DCI International The Church of Jesus Christ of American Nicaraguan Foundation, Inc. Independent Givers of America
Den-Mat Corporation Latter Day Saints American Society of the Most Venerable Indian Student Association at UIC
Dentsply International Church World Service Amgen Foundation, Inc. Indo American Institute, Inc.
DeRoyal Industries Coram Health Care A.N.E.R.A. Indo-American Eye Care Society Inc.
Diamond Polyethylene Products East West Associates The Anschutz Foundation The International Foundation
Dupont Pharmaceutical Company Foodbank of Santa Barbara County Aveda Corporation The Ann Jackson Family Foundation
Eli Lilly & Company Forex Cargo B & B Foundation John Paul Mitchell Systems
Ethex Friends of the Poor BankAmerica Foundation Johnson & Johnson Family of Companies
Ethicon Endo-Surgery Global Links Barnwood Vineyards JP Morgan
Ethicon, Inc. Goleta Valley Cottage Hospital Beckmen Vineyards Junior League of Santa Barbara, Inc.
Fine Science Tools Handpiece Trading Post Bien Nacido Vineyards Nancy Katayama Foundation, Inc.
FNC Medical Corporation Healthsouth Reno Medical Plaza Bistra Balabanova W.M. Keck Foundation
Glaxo Wellcome Inc. Home Depot The Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation Nancy K. Ketcham Foundation
Hardwood Products Company Human Performance Center Conley and Marney Brooks Fund Liselotte Kuttler Trust
Hudson Oxygen Therapy Sales Interchurch Medical Assistance The Sheila Johnson Brutsch Charitable Trust La Centra-Sumerlin Foundation
Hu-Friedy Mfg. Co., Inc. International Aid, Incorporated Burch Plumbing La Santa Casa De Misericordia
Janssen Pharmceutica, Inc. Kaiser Permanente Andrew H. Burnett Foundation Life Enrichment Foundation
John O. Butler Co. Keckler Medical Bush Hospital Foundation L.S. Research, Inc.
Johnson & Johnson Consumer Products LA Multi-purpose Program Cali USA Acoustics, Inc. The Laurel Foundation
Johnson & Johnson Corporate Lompoc Hospital District California Community Foundation Luxury Perfumes
Johnson & Johnson Health Care National Pediculosis Association Cambria Winery & Vineyard MacDonald Family Foundation
Johnson & Johnson Medical Ojai Valley Community Hospital Cameron Brown Foundation MADRE
Johnson & Johnson Professional Operation USA Capital Group Co. Charitable Fnd. Magellan’s
Karl Storz Endoscopy Oriental Mission Church The Carsey-Werner Company Marbrook Foundation
Maxxim Medical, Inc. Partners in Health Casa Provincial de las Hijas de Caridad The G. Harold &
McKesson-General Medical Phelps Medical Center Channel Islands Equity Leila Y. Mathers Foundation
McNeil Consumer Healthcare Power Equipment Company Christian Relief Services Fred Maytag Family Foundation
Medical Innovations, Inc. Pruner Medical Church World Service, Inc. McGraw-Hill Companies
Medline Industries, Inc. Rapid City Regional Hospital Ciba Vision Corporation R. K. Mellon Family Foundation
MedPharm, Inc. Rehabilitation Institute Coast Village Business Association, Inc. Mercy Corps International
Mencar Pharmaceutical Corporation Saint Francis Medical Center Cold Heaven Meridian Vineyards
Mentor Corporation Sansum Medical Clinic Conservation, Food & Health Foundation Seeley W. Mudd Foundation
Merck & Company, Inc. Santa Barbara City College Willametta K. Day Foundation Midwest Chapter of Peruvian Institutions
Midmark Corporation Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital The Disarm Education Fund, Inc. Mostyn Foundation Inc
3M Pharmaceuticals Santa Barbara Internal Medicine Group The Doehring Foundation Motion Engineering, Inc.
Nexxus Products Company Santa Barbara Medical Foundation Clinic Dos Pueblos High School The Myers Family Foundation
Nihon Khoden Santa Barbara Visiting Nurses Association The James R. Dougherty, Jr., Foundation New Horizons Outreach, Inc.
Nordent Manufacturing, Inc. Santa Ynez Valley Hospital The Grant C. Ehrlich Trust OEF De El Salvador
North Safety Products SEE International Emmanuel Presbyterian Church The Pacer Foundation
Nutrex Hawaii, Inc. St John’s Hospital The Entertainment Industry Foundation Packers, LTD
Olympus America Inc. St. Joseph’s Hospital Library Estonian Am. Fund for Economic Edu., Inc. The Peebles Sheen Foundation
Onyx Medical St. Vincent Hospital Family Unity International Peruvian American Medical Society
Ortho-McNeil Pharmaceutical Corporation Tarzana Pediatric Medical Group Federal Express Corporation Pfizer Foundation, Inc.
Physio-Control Corporation Tulare District Hospital Fess Parker Winery & Vineyard Philippine National Bank
Precision Medical VacuMed Firestone Vineyard Precision Strip
Searle Valle Verde Retirement Community Flying Doctors of Mercy The Quinn Family Foundation, Inc.
Shaman Botanicals Ventura County Medical Center Foley Estates Vineyard & Winery Robert N. Lindquist & Associates
Smith & Nephew - Orthopedic Veterans Administration Outpatient Food for the Poor, Inc. The Roberts Bros. Foundation
Sultan Dental Products WESCO Fox Point LTD. Robinson-May
Surgin, Inc. Westhills Regional Medical Center Foxen Vineyard, Inc. The Dorothea Haus Ross Foundation
Swibco Wheelchairs for the World Foundation Frey Farming Rotary Club of Bishop
Tagg Industries WW Patterson Committee Fundacion Pro-Vista, A.C. Rotary Club Of Fillmore
TEVA Pharmaceuticals USA The Leo and Eva Gans Foundation Inc. Rotary Club of Santa Barbara Sunrise
Tillotson Healthcare Corporation Glens Falls Medical Missionary Fnd. Rotary Club of Santa Ynez
Tissue Banks International Thank you to each member of the Kiwanis Clubs, Global Partners for Development Rotary Club of Westlake
Visticon Emblem Clubs and Lions Clubs for supporting our Godric Foundation Rusack Vineyard
Walgreens Save Our Sight Program through donations of The Griggs Family Foundation Samaritan’s Purse
thousands of pairs of eyeglasses. Guyana Medical Relief Santa Barbara Bank & Trust
21.
