Aid for Turkey, Syria

Goleta-based Direct Relief mobilizes medical assistance, $200,000 funding to earthquake responders

Storms leave SB with more water

By NEIL HARTSTEIN NEWS-PRESS STAFF WRITER

At its headquarters in Goleta, Direct Relief prepares shipments of emergency aid for Turkey and Syria following the 7.8 magnitude earthquake that struck the region on Monday, Items include medication and supplies to treat people with injuries and pre-existing medical conditions, such as field medic packs, antibiotics and other essential medicines, as well as oral rehydration solutions and hygiene items for those displaced from their homes.

By KATHERINE ZEHNDER NEWS-PRESS STAFF WRITER

Within hours of the 7.8-magnitude earthquake Monday that caused widespread damage across Turkey and northern Syria, the Turkish government requested international assistance, and Goleta-based Direct Relief began mobilizing its response.

Direct Relief has committed $100, 000 each to two different organizations — the AKUT and the Syrian American Medical Society. Earthquakes typically cause blunt trauma and orthopedic injuries, such as broken bones, lacerations, and crush syndrome from being trapped under heavy debris. An overwhelming number of injuries in the initial moments of an emergency can create an acute need for health personnel, medical supplies, blood, and medicines. In an earthquake’s aftermath, people often become ill due to their lack of shelter, compromised water and sanitation systems, lack of refrigeration, and untreated injuries. These circumstances can lead to bacterial infections and disease outbreaks among people who are forced into temporary shelters.

People also frequently lose access to the medicine they need to