National VOAD Announces Direct Relief as First Associate Member

Arlington, VA (PRWEB) March 07, 2014

National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster has announced that Direct Relief is joining the VOAD network as an Associate Member.

Direct Relief – a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that provides medical assistance to people around the world who have been affected by poverty, natural disasters, and civil unrest – is the first organization to enroll under that membership category.

Damon N. Taugher – Director of Direct Relief’s U.S. Programs – said, “Direct Relief is very pleased to join formally the National VOAD after having worked extensively with VOAD members on many different occasions in large-scale events and being members of VOAD in our home community in California.”

Taugher said, “Direct Relief’s 66 years of experience has taught that among the urgent needs that arise in disasters is access to prescription medications and medical essentials.”

He added, “So, we are pleased to bring to and share with the community Direct Relief’s unique credential as the only nonprofit accredited by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy as a Verified-Accredited Wholesale Distributor (VAWD) and our ability to distribute prescription medications in all 50 U.S. states.”

In June 2013, National VOAD Members voted to approve the new Associate membership category.

The new category of membership consists of nonprofit organizations with a national scope and clearly defined functions, programs, and/or direct services with a focus on one or more phases of the disaster continuum, but is not structured to meet Tier 1 or Tier 2 National Membership Criteria.

Such organizations provide more “whole-community” engagement because of specialized disaster cycle knowledge and competencies, or because they service or advocate for constituencies not yet adequately represented within the National VOAD Movement.

Associate membership applicants must meet the Membership Application Criteria established by National VOAD Members and Board of Directors.

Daniel L. Stoecker, National VOAD’s President and CEO, said, “I am pleased to be welcoming Direct Relief into the National VOAD community both as our newest Member and our first Associate Member.”

Stoecker said, “This recognition by our national Board of Directors demonstrates the good work Direct Relief already performs and how the inclusion of their core competencies will enrich the work of the entire collaborative’s efforts to better serve the nation.”

The 112 total Members of National VOAD -- including 56 state/territory Members and 56 national Member organizations -- represent a diverse group of highly competent emergency service organizations who provide a wide range of skills in service to American communities before and after manmade or natural disasters.

To schedule an interview with National VOAD staff, please contact National VOADs Communications Manager Ashley Marchand at ashley.marchand(at)nvoad(dot)org or 202-664-7786.

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