Despite Reduced Funding, Nonprofit Organization Helped a Record 10.4 Million People in 60 Countries

Direct Relief International
Monday, 21 January 2002

Direct Relief International today announced its year-end results for 2001. The 54-year-old California-based nonprofit organization provided international medical aid and emergency relief with total wholesale value of $81.5 million. The organization provided nearly 1 million pounds of material assistance, sufficient to provide care for an estimated 10.4 million people in 60 countries, including India and El Salvador following major earthquakes, and in Pakistan and Afghanistan to address refugee needs.

In announcing the 2001 results, Direct Relief President Thomas Tighe noted that the organization had increased its assistance program 20% above last year's totals despite a reduced operating budget.

"During this extraordinary year, Direct Relief International was able to help more people, in more countries, with more material assistance than at any time in 54 years – despite operating under a reduced and severely tight budget," Tighe said.

Direct Relief International also was recognized by leading national publications in 2001. Worth Magazine (December 2001) included Direct Relief International on its list of "America's 100 Best Charities". The list includes charitable organizations working in the fields of health, human services, environment, relief and development, and education. Direct Relief International, a non-religious organization, was one of 21 organizations listed in the relief and development category. The Chronicle of Philanthropy, in its annual Philanthropy 400 list (November 1, 2001 issue) ranked Direct Relief International the 165th largest non-profit organization in the United States, based on private support. That issue also ranked the organization as the largest California-based organization involved in international work, based on private support.

"The recognition by leading independent journals was very important for us, particularly after September 11," Tighe said. "People are increasingly concerned about what organizations like ours actually do with their money, whether it makes a difference, and whether the work itself is done in a way that makes both financial and programmatic sense."

Direct Relief International provides essential medical material resources to support indigenous health programs in the developing world and in response to disasters and humanitarian crises.

Direct Relief International's record year was possible due to tremendous support from the U.S. pharmaceutical and medical-manufacturing sector, which provides in-kind or "material" donations for use in emergency-relief and ongoing health projects. Industry leaders, including the Johnson & Johnson family of companies, Abbott Laboratories, Becton Dickinson, Bristol-Meyers Squibb, Merck, Tyco Healthcare, Midmark, Ortho-McNeil, Searle, and TEVA USA, are leading partners of Direct Relief International and donate specialty health products. Johnson & Johnson, Pfizer, and Tenet Healthcare are among those who also provided financial support.

"Because of extensive corporate support, we are able to leverage each dollar donated into more than $30 worth of wholesale medical resources to assist people living in extreme poverty who confront enormous health challenges," said Tighe.

Direct Relief International provides direct support to indigenous facilities and projects run by local leaders, and historically maintains among the lowest administrative and fundraising expense ratios in the U.S. nonprofit sector. Even before September 11th, slumping equities markets and lowered corporate earnings presented obvious challenges to personal and corporate charitable giving. Now the challenge is that much greater. But the organization is optimistic that its relative efficiency and strong record will continue to inspire giving to address the health needs of the world's most vulnerable citizens.

"2001 challenged us to do far more with less money – which we did," said Tighe. "We're hopeful that our record, our facts, and our ongoing commitment will attract increased support, because the needs are immense and we have a proven way to help."

Founded in 1948 by two immigrant businessmen, Direct Relief International is a non-profit, non-sectarian medical relief organization based in Santa Barbara, California. For 54 years, Direct Relief has provided medical support with pharmaceuticals, supplies, and new and refurbished medical equipment to over 3,000 charitable health facilities worldwide.

For more information, or to contact Direct Relief International, see their website at: www.directrelief.org