U.S. Braces for More Winter Weather, Power Outages, and Health Risks

Over the past week, Direct Relief has delivered 460 shipments of requested medical aid to 48 U.S. states and territories and 13 countries worldwide. The shipments contained 1.1 million defined daily doses of medication

Medications and supplies shipped this week included treatments for acute and chronic conditions, protective equipment, and other essential medical supplies.

Winter Storm Response Continues Across the U.S.

Direct Relief continues to monitor severe winter weather affecting multiple regions of the United States as freezing temperatures, snow, and ice create ongoing risks for vulnerable populations. Beyond inclement weather, a second wave of health risks is emerging for some communities. Power outages have created health challenges for people dependent on electricity-powered medical devices and temperature-controlled medications. Generators used to help heat homes and provide electricity can create health risks. Hospitals in Tennessee have reported dozens of patients entering the emergency room with symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, which can be fatal if exhaust isn't properly ventilated.

As temperatures dropped, Direct Relief shipped requested items to health centers and clinics in storm-impacted communities. Earlier this week, field medic packs and personal care products for displaced people were dispatched to health providers in Texas and Maryland to support emergency operations and potential shelter needs as the first wave of storms moved through.

More snow and winter weather are expected throughout the weekend in the Carolinas, and Direct Relief has emergency response staff in the region.

Direct Relief staff remain in communication with national partners, including the National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics and the National Association of Community Health Centers, and are participating in national and state VOAD coordination calls as additional winter weather moves across the Carolinas and Upper Midwest.

Direct Relief will continue monitoring conditions and will respond to medical needs as they become known.

Emergency Medical Shipments Prepared for Northeast Syria

Medical aid is being prepared to support health providers and displaced families in northeast Syria following renewed escalations in recent weeks that have resulted in fragile ceasefires and continued insecurity. An emergency shipment containing essential medicines, medical supplies, and personal care products is being assembled, along with midwife kits to help address urgent shortages reported at regional hospitals offering obstetric and gynecological services.

Recent violence has disrupted daily movement and increased humanitarian needs among both displaced populations and host communities. Healthcare services across the region are operating at reduced capacity due to supply chain disruptions and shortages of essential medicines and medical supplies. Pediatric, maternal, and reproductive health services are particularly strained, and primary health centers in receiving areas are facing higher patient volumes as displacement continues. Insecurity has also reduced healthcare staffing availability, further limiting consistent access to safe and timely care.

Direct Relief is in communication with two long-standing partners responding in the region, the Syrian American Medical Society, which operates health facilities in affected areas, and Kurdistan Save the Children, based in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, to assess evolving needs and coordinate support as conditions continue to change.

Medical Supplies Arrive to Strengthen Patient Care in Ukraine

Medical aid from Direct Relief recently arrived with the Christian Medical Association of Ukraine to support hospitals and clinics treating both acute and chronic conditions. The shipment includes a range of essential medications for infectious disease, cardiovascular and respiratory care, and long-term condition management, along with medical consumables needed for safe day-to-day clinical operations.

These supplies will help health providers maintain continuity of care for patients managing chronic illnesses while also ensuring facilities remain equipped to respond to routine and urgent medical needs. The shipment is being distributed to healthcare facilities across Ukraine to reinforce ongoing efforts to sustain reliable access to treatment and essential services.

Operational Snapshot

UNITED STATES

Direct Relief delivered 438 shipments containing 463,279 million doses of medication this past week to organizations, including the following:

Around the World

Globally, Direct Relief shipped over 643,996 defined daily doses of medication, totaling 40,780 lbs., to countries including the following:

Year-To-Date

Since January 1, 2026, Direct Relief has delivered 1,808 shipments to 849 partner organizations in 52 U.S. states and territories and 32 countries. These shipments contained 27.1 million defined daily doses of medication valued at $163.1 million (wholesale) and totaled 280,819 lbs.

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