Direct Relief and the International Council of Nurses, or ICN, have entered into a new partnership to improve emergency response on the ground during times of disaster.

ICN works to represent nursing worldwide, advance the nursing profession, promote the well-being of nurses, and advocate for health in all policies. ICN's membership includes 130 national nursing associations representing millions of nurses worldwide.

The partnership has resulted in the appointment of an ICN Humanitarian Liaison Officer, who will use the global expanse of ICN's member national nurses associations to rapidly access organizations on the ground.

The aim of the partnership is to use nurses' insights to improve real-time intelligence about situations in specific communities and maximize the efficient deployment of Direct Relief's disaster relief supply programs.

ICN Chief Executive Officer Howard Catton said the partnership is a perfect fit for both organizations and will make a real difference wherever humanitarian or disaster relief is needed.

"Nurses are deeply embedded in the communities where they live and work. They know both what the health and humanitarian needs are and how best to meet them, even in some of the most challenging situations and environments," Catton said. "This knowledge and experience, partnered with Direct Relief's expertise and commitment to the delivery of humanitarian aid, will help to ensure that the most vulnerable people get the quickest access possible to the specific aid and supplies that will help them the most."

"During every disaster, Direct Relief relies extensively on local health providers to determine what is most needed and where. Nurses are at the forefront of that essential knowledge and patient care, particularly during crisis events," said Alycia Clark, Direct Relief's Chief Pharmacy Officer. "Direct Relief is privileged to work with the International Council of Nurses and their deep expertise across multiple specialties promises to guide and expand Direct Relief's future emergency and humanitarian response."