Direct Relief International (DRI) provides medical assistance to improve the quality of life for people affected by poverty, disaster, and civil unrest in the United States and around the world.

Direct Relief works to support the efforts of healthcare providers in more than 70 countries, equipping them with medicines, supplies, and equipment so they can care for their patients.  Direct Relief’s assistance programs are tailored to be responsive to the partner organization’s particular circumstances and needs, as well as those of the people they serve.  Partners typically provide health services to people in poor, rural areas that lack health infrastructure, and where severe health challenges exist.

The Orfalea Foundation has supported Direct Relief’s work in West Tanzania with the OGRA Foundation, offering nursing scholarships to local women, providing medical equipment and supplies to a local hospital to improve birthing procedures, as well as supporting the OGRA Foundation’s recurring operations costs.  Direct Relief is also a collaborative partner in the Aware & Prepare Initiative:  A Community Partnership to Strengthen Emergency & Disaster Readiness in Santa Barbara County.