Direct Relief aims to make a difference in Mexico by bolstering access to quality health resources for institutions that serve the most vulnerable in society so that they can have a chance to thrive and be resilient for the future.

By leveraging the support from private individuals, foundations, and corporations, Direct Relief has created a safe and effective ecosystem for charitable giving in Mexico.

Direct Relief was incorporated in Mexico as a Civil Association in 2014 and has been an authorized donee since 2015. As the only humanitarian wholesale distributor of pharmaceuticals operating in Mexico that is fully compliant with COFEPRIS regulations, it can receive in-country and process internationally donated goods and is positioned to respond to both immediate public health requirements and long-term healthcare service needs in underserved communities.

A Local Focus

Direct Relief coordinates assistance to people living in Mexico, both on an ongoing basis and by preparing for and responding to emergencies with medical goods for under-served patients in resource-poor areas.

Building on strong relationships with global and local medical manufacturers Direct Relief can harness existing resources and match them with demand throughout Mexico.

A thorough understanding of Mexico’s complex logistics, fiscal, and regulatory channels allow Direct Relief to operate with the upmost confidence in its supply chain. Additionally, strong relationships with health organizations and local, state, and federal authorities provide a clear understanding of needs nationwide.

Strong established relationships with medical manufacturers, local organizations, and government play a critical role when responding to emergencies and when trust and confidence in partnerships are mission-critical to effectively help underserved populations.

Humanitarian Logistics & Warehousing

Direct Relief built a trusted platform to manage and coordinate daily emergency deliveries of medicines and supplies to healthcare facilities across Mexico. Direct Relief’s humanitarian supply chain allows it to acquire, warehouse, inventory, and distribute medical products needed by healthcare workers in an efficient, transparent, and traceable manner. This allows for critical items and medicines to get to the right people caring for those who are most vulnerable.

A long-standing partnership with industry leader Kuehne + Nagel provides a scalable platform to receive large-scale donations of medical material from leading medical manufacturers in Mexico. Through this partnership, Direct Relief complies with all local regulations and guarantees that donations receive the highest standard of care.

Current Projects

• COVID-19 Relief and Response: As one of the single largest private suppliers of donated protective equipment in Mexico, Direct Relief is working to protect frontline workers treating patients.

Direct Relief has delivered more than 450,000 KN95s, 3 million surgical masks, as well as gloves, surgical gowns, face shields and other protective gear to hospitals and clinics across the country, the first step in an ongoing effort to ensure that hospitals throughout Mexico’s under-served provinces remain equipped to combat the current crisis.

• Improving the Health and Lives of Children with Cancer: Children diagnosed with cancer from families of limited means often lack access to medical treatment because their parents cannot afford to travel to Mexico City. Of those who make the trip, too many families abandon treatment due to the lack of affordable housing options.

Direct Relief has worked with CDLA since 2017 to help increase Mexico’s childhood cancer survival rate by ensuring that patients and families have the social support required to complete treatment. These social support services include: a home away from home that provides three daily nutritionally home cooked meals, lodging with private bathrooms, and transportation to and from place of origin and to all hospital medical visits.

• Expanding Access for Maternal and Child Health: Direct Relief has long worked with the Center for Adolescents of San Miguel de Allende (CASA), a nonprofit health and social service organization, to help advance their effort providing and advocating for community-based and culturally appropriate reproductive, maternity, family health, and health education services.

Located in central Mexico, CASA’s programs strive to protect and enhance the lives of vulnerable women, adolescents, and families throughout the area by creating and administering medical facilities, programs, and outreach services. CASA established and currently operates a maternity hospital, a midwifery school, a family health clinic, and a child development center.

Direct Relief is a registered Asociación Civil in Mexico and was granted tax-deductible status from the Mexican government in 2014. This status allows companies and individuals in Mexico to receive tax benefits for donations to Direct Relief in Mexico.