The mission in action
The mission of Direct Relief International is to improve the health and lives of people affected by poverty, disaster and civil unrest. It is my first week in my role as the Communications and Marketing Team Lead at Direct Relief and we have been thrown into action to respond to the Colorado wildfires.
Being from the East Coast, wildfires are something that I have never experienced firsthand and my only exposure has come from what I see in the news. Whenever I heard about wildfires I just always thought about people losing their homes and possessions. Up until now I never made a link to health issues. My new colleagues at Direct Relief explained to me that while people may lose their homes, there is a devastating impact on the health issues such as:
• Particulate matter in the wildfire smoke can irritate the eyes and respiratory system
• Evacuees with chronic health conditions may leave their medications behind
To help combat the impact of the wildfires on the health of the evacuees, Direct Relief has responded by reaching out to their partner clinics, in and around the wildfire area in Colorado, and preparing shipments of much needed medical and personal hygiene supplies.
Being here in the Direct Relief offices experiencing how they react in times of disaster has brought such a renewed sense of purpose to me and a profound level of respect for the work they do. Immediately, the team sprung to work learning who is impacted and what they need and sending it. The team responded in such a quick and efficient manner that it is mind blowing. As I have learned in my few short days here, they are able to respond so quickly during times of disaster because they work with their partner organizations everyday and they know who will get the help to the people who need it most.
I’ve often said that in my role at GSK it was hard to see how I actually contributed to the mission of the company because I don’t discover, make or sell our products. Today, I got to be hands on and see Direct Relief’s mission in action.
If you would like to help Direct Relief respond to this disaster or support them in any way, it would be greatly appreciated.
You make us proud, Carmen!
Carmen, you’re so right when you talk about the impact of some of these tragedies. Time is totally of the essence and for those health issues you speak of, efficiency and timeliness is key. Good work!
it’s an awesome experience to make a difference. happy to read this.
Hi Carmen, thanks for sharing your experience with us. I’m looking forward to keeping up with what you’re up to on your assignment.
Thanks for your support and interest!! I’m sure I will have lots to share.
Hi Carmen, we miss you already here on the comms team but we know how much of an impact you will make with DirectRelief so we are OK with letting you go
I look forward to reading more about your good work!
I miss you too hon. And a special thank you to all of you guys for covering my work and allowing me to go on this assigment. I’ll be sure to keep you updated.
Hi Carmen, Colorado is my home and it’s a very special place. Thank You for helping my friends and family!
Hi Dan!! Everyone here at DRI is happy to help in any way. They are all so passionate about this.
Carmen- Colorado Springs was the first territory I had as a GSK rep almost 10 years ago. I’m so happy to hear that our company is helping those in need in my own backyard.
Wow Sweetheart thanks 4 sharing. I’m so proud of u. Continue to make us proud. You are a special young lady and God will bless u in so many ways. Keep up the great work