Who we are

Medical Teams International is a Christian global health organization, demonstrating the love of Christ to people affected by disaster,conflict and poverty. We deliver medical and dental care, humanitarian aid, and holistic development programs to all people in need, regardless of religion, nationality, sex, or race. We respond to disasters around the world—and here at home—by sending teams of volunteer medical professionals and medical supplies to care for the sick and injured. We also mobilize long-term health promotion initiatives, collaborating with established partners within each community to ensure that our programs have a sustainable impact.

Formerly Northwest Medical Teams, Medical Teams International was founded in 1979 when Oregon businessman Ron Post was moved to action by a news report detailing the plight of starving refugees on the Thai-Cambodian border. Ron organized 27 medical volunteers within two weeks to bring desperately-needed supplies and medical care to the refugees.

In the past 32 years, Medical Teams International has sent out more than 2,400 volunteer teams.

Last year alone, we helped more than 2.7 million people in 70 countries..

Medical Teams International is uniquely positioned to leverage every dollar of funding for maximum impact through the efforts of volunteers. Last year, we mobilized 2,172 volunteers to ship and administer $133 million in donated medical supplies.

A $30 donation leverages $3,361 worth of medicines and medical supplies.

What makes us different?

What makes Medical Teams International different from other similar local and international humanitarian aid organizations? Primarily, our work is supported by volunteers and leveraged by in-country partners to deliver more care and more humanitarian aid per donation dollar. Our Fast facts, below, present the numbers and scope of our work.

Medical Teams International is a non-denominational, faith based, non-governmental agency. As such, we incorporate transformational development in our programs, encouraging and monitoring the physical and spiritual development of the people we care for. We only work where we are invited to do so and work closely with local health authorities to help assure positive outcomes, even after we return home.

We were founded over 30 years ago, which has allowed us to develop efficient processes, strong partnerships and enthusiastic support from a growing team of volunteers and donors. Our volunteer opportunities are frequently short-term engagements, rather than those offered by others that span six months or more. This gives highly skilled professionals the ability to integrate volunteering into their busy careers.