Direct Relief field medic packs, filled with triage care items, are equipping first responders caring for unhoused people, especially vulnerable after recent flooding.
By Direct Relief staff
First published March 25, 2026 by Direct Relief
As part of the ongoing response to some of the worst flooding to hit Oʻahu in 20 years, Direct Relief staff continue to make emergency deliveries of medical aid to health organizations across the island. Yesterday, Direct Relief visited Waimānalo Health in southeastern Oʻahu on March 24, 2026.
Waimānalo Health Center is rooted in Native Hawaiian values and devoted to improving the health and wellness of all people, regardless of ability to pay, by providing comprehensive primary and preventive health care services.
Clinic nurse Pu’uone Johnson, a mobile outreach coordinator, said the most pressing needs involve wound care supplies and field medic packs designed for street medicine and mobile care.
Direct Relief staff delivered field medic packs that contain essential triage care items, including diagnostic equipment and wound care items. The floods have had a disproportionate impact on unhoused people, and the health center is working to continue medical services to those patients.
A series of medical aid shipments have departed for or arrived in the Hawaiian Islands in response to the historic flooding. Chronic disease management medications, tetanus vaccines to protect residents during storm cleanup, water purification supplies for clean drinking water since some areas are under boil-water advisories, were all part of recent deliveries that have arrived or are en route to the islands.
Direct Relief will continue responding to medical needs this week and as recovery continues.
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