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Supporters Help Medical Teams International Raise More Than $1.4 Million

27 Oct 2011 15:52

Medical Teams International held the sixth annual Great Adventure Dinner and Auction at its Tigard headquarters Saturday, Oct. 22, 2011. More than 650 people attended the major fundraiser on what proved to be an unforgettable night.

Guests at the gala event gave more than $1.4 million, a record-setting amount, to further Medical Teams International’s mission. More than $850,000 of the total was given during the special appeal for the organization’s projects worldwide and here at home.

“We are overwhelmed by the generosity and compassion of those who attended our auction,” said Bas Vanderzalm, president of Medical Teams International. “With God's help, we will use these funds to touch the lives of thousands of suffering people.”

Guests were able to review and bid on an enormous array of auction items donated by individuals and businesses all over the United States. With his characteristic warmth, Matt Zaffino, KGW Channel 8 Chief Meteorologist, once again served as the Master of Ceremonies. Julianne Johnson-Weiss, two-time Grammy nominated artist, touched everyone’s hearts as she sang three deeply moving songs.

An inspiring video focusing on Haiti was shown during the event and highlighted the impact that Medical Teams International’s work has on individual lives. Finally, the evening culminated in a raffle drawing for a Lexus hybrid donated by Lexus of Portland. The lucky winners, Dennis and Linda Breitenstein, were in the audience.

Among the presenting sponsors were Alaska Airlines, Lexus of Portland, Silicon Forest Electronics and Standard TV & Appliance. Other major sponsors were Magaurn Video Media, Providence Health & Services, Regence Blue Cross Blue Shield of Oregon and Mitchell Wine Group. This year’s auction chairs were Scott and Dana Cress and Phil and Linda Lane. Next year’s auction is set for Oct. 13, 2012. More information, including the special appeal video and event photos, can be seen at www.medicalteams.org.

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Medical Teams International is a Christian global health organization working to demonstrate the love of Christ to people affected by disaster, conflict and poverty around the world. Since 1979, we have sent more than 2,100 volunteer teams and shipped more than $1.4 billion in lifesaving medicines and medical supplies to care for 25 million people in 100 countries. Each year, more than 2,000 volunteers contribute their time to care for those whom Jesus called “the least of these” in our world today.

Haiti--Two Years After the Earthquake Informational Event

06 Jan 2012 08:18

Two years ago, a 7.0-magnitude earthquake hit Southern Haiti. Nearly 230,000 people were killed and millions more were left injured and homeless. Within three days, Medical Teams International staff and volunteers were on the ground in Haiti. Two years later, Medical Teams International still has volunteers in the field.

On Thursday, January 12th, Medical Teams International will host an informational event in recognition of the anniversary of the devastating earthquake. Staff and volunteers will discuss the organization’s response to the disaster, current conditions in Haiti, and plans for future work in the country.

Attendees will also have the opportunity to tour the REAL. LIFE. Exhibit, where they will experience what life is like for 1 million Haitians who still live in tent camps after the earthquake.

DATE: Thursday, January 12, 2012
LOCATION: Medical Teams International Headquarters, 14150 SW Milton Ct., Tigard, OR 97224
TIME: REAL. LIFE. Exhibit opens at 6 PM. Haiti Presentation begins at 7 PM

This event is open and free to the public; all attendees should enter through the REAL. LIFE. Exhibit entrance.

Over the past two years, Medical Teams International has:

Mobilized 84 teams and more than 374 medical volunteers to provide care and training to the people of Haiti
Delivered medicines and medical supplies valued at more than $10,496,464
Provided 2,464 rehabilitation sessions and much-needed prosthetics to those disabled in the earthquake through our Haiti Advantage program
Helped to rebuild clinics and medical facilities at various locations throughout the country.

For a complete update of what Medical Teams International has accomplished in Haiti over the past two years, please visit the Haiti program page.

Premiere Watchdog Selects Medical Teams International For National “10 Top-Notch Charities” List

09 Dec 2011 15:15

(PORTLAND, Ore., December 9, 2011) - Charity Navigator, the premier charity watchdog group in the U.S., placed Medical Teams International in its 2011 list of “10 Top-Notch Charities.” The Portland-area based charity was selected from 5,000 non-profits in the watchdog group’s annual ratings.

Ministry Watch, which rates hundreds of Christian faith-based groups, also placed Medical Teams International on its list of “30 Shining Light Charities” for 2011.

In addition, Forbes Magazine placed Medical Teams International on its Top 200 list of charities this fall.

“We’re very grateful that others value us for our stewardship, transparency and management effectiveness,” says Bas Vanderzalm, president of Medical Teams International. “But what truly drives us is our mission – to demonstrate the love of Christ to people affected by disaster, conflict and poverty around the world.

“We also appreciate every contribution we receive, including a special matching gift pledge by one of our donors. This generous donor has pledged to double all contributions our Gifts of Hope Catalog, up to $200,000,” Vanderzalm concludes.

Donors interested in this matching gift opportunity can go to www.medicalteams.org and help save twice as many lives. More information about the ratings from Charity Navigator and Ministry Watch as well as our 2011 accountability video report can be found at the same website.

Board announces President Bas Vanderzalm’s retirement date; Elects Jeff Pinneo, former Horizon Air CEO, as Successor

04 Jan 2012 09:00

The board of directors of Medical Teams International announced today that Bas Vanderzalm will retire as president and chief executive officer (CEO). Vanderzalm will step down as CEO on June 30, 2012. He will stay on as president through June 30, 2013.

During his time as president, Vanderzalm will focus on leading teams to the field, speaking on behalf of the organization, writing, and providing advice and counsel to the incoming CEO. He has served the organization since September 15, 1997.

“For 40 years, Bas has worked for Christian organizations that have served the poor here in the U.S. and around the world,” said Ron King, chair of the board of Medical Teams International. “During Bas’ 14-plus years at Medical Teams International, the organization has grown to be one of the most respected Christian global health agencies in the country.

“Thanks to Bas’ leadership, we often are rated as one of the strongest, most efficient charities in the nation. Recently, Charity Navigator named us as one of its ‘10 Top Notch Charities’ among 5,000 charities evaluated,” King added.

“We also have sent more than $1.5 billion in humanitarian aid around the world. And each year, more than 2,000 volunteers serve in support of our programs,” King concluded.

To ensure the organization continues to build on its solid foundation of service around the world, the board of directors has elected Jeff Pinneo to serve as the agency’s next CEO, effective July 1, 2012. The board member’s announcement follows a year-long planning and recruitment process that commenced when Vanderzalm advised them of his retirement plans.

Pinneo, retired CEO and president of Horizon Air, will engage with Vanderzalm in a several month transition as “CEO-elect” leading up to the July 1 effective date.

“I am enthusiastic about the leadership, business and marketing skills Jeff brings to the organization,” said King. “Jeff knows how to lead an organization during changing times.”

“Medical Teams International has a great history of delivering health solutions through the strength of our staff, partners and volunteers. Jeff’s compassion and skills match spot-on with the mission of Medical Teams International as we demonstrate the love of Christ to those who are affected by disaster, conflict and poverty around the world,” King added.

Pinneo retired last year after 29 years with Horizon Air and its sister company, Alaska Airlines. He guided Horizon Air, expanding markets and revenues, and extending the reach and preference of the Horizon and Alaska brands. Under his leadership, Horizon Air was named Regional Airline of the Year by Air Transport World in 2007.

While Pinneo is best known for his professional work in the airline industry, he has devoted a great deal of his life to charitable organizations, including Medical Teams International. He has volunteered with the agency since 2006 and served on its board since 2008. Pinneo has also served on the advisory boards of Seattle Pacific University Center for Integrity in Business, Washington State University College of Business, and Point Loma Nazarene University. Pinneo will serve as the third leader in the 31-year history of Medical Teams International. Ron Post founded the organization in 1979. Vanderzalm was appointed as president in 1997.

Pinneo has witnessed the impact of the organization’s global health programs through the experiences of his wife, Janey Pinneo. She has served as a volunteer since 2005 with Medical Teams International, providing her skills as registered nurse on seven different volunteer teams in Uganda (3x), Haiti, New Orleans (Hurricane Katrina) and El Salvador.

Drawing on his personal faith and business experience, Pinneo looks forward to building on the strong traditions established by Vanderzalm, the organization’s staff and volunteers.

“The staff and volunteers of Medical Teams International have earned their reputation as one of the world’s leading global health and disaster response organizations,” Pinneo said. “It will be my privilege to lead and serve them as they further extend their reach and impact, to the benefit of the world’s most marginalized people.”

Media: Contact Marlene Minor or Angela Pratt at 503.624.1007 or 503.624.1022.

Cholera Hits Haiti Again; Medical Teams International Sends Volunteers to Help

27 Jul 2011 11:09

(PORTLAND, Ore., July 27, 2011)—Cholera has resurged in Haiti, with more than 1,000 people affected in the past month. So, Medical Teams International has mobilized seven volunteers in the country to help health workers in northwestern Haiti to care for the sick near Port-de-Paix.

The agency also is sending in four additional volunteers this week to provide care for those people afflicted by the new outbreak.

The medical volunteers leaving this week for Haiti to help in the current cholera crisis include:

James Thornton, Emergency Medical Technician from Portland, Ore.
Jeff Wallenuis, Emergency Medical Technician from Portland, Ore.
Kathryn Baldor, Registered Nurse from Boston, Mass.
Samantha Brown, Registered Nurse from Boston, Mass.

Since last year, more than 5,000 people have died from cholera in Haiti. You can help save lives in Haite; donate today to Medical Teams International on the Haiti Donation page.

Medical Teams International Teams Up with the Blazers to Provide Dental Care for Needy

16 Nov 2011 10:08

On November 10, 2011, Medical Teams International supplied urgent dental care to those experiencing homelessness and poverty at as part of the Portland Trailblazers’ 16th annual Harvest Dinner. The day-long event provided food and other vital services to 5,000 underserved members of the Portland community.

The Portland-based humanitarian organization sent out 34 volunteers in three of its state-of-the-art mobile dental vans. Medical Teams International volunteer dentists and hygienists provided nearly $27,000 worth of dental services for more than 50 patients. Urgent care treatments included extractions, fillings and root canals.

“I haven’t seen a dentist in over 10 years since I got out of the Army,” said David, a Mobile Dental patient. “Being in pain for so long, it’s a precious relief to just be seen by a dentist.”

“It’s an incredible event,” said Dr. Kris Blodgett, a Mobile Dental volunteer. Despite the long days at his own clinic in Beaverton, Ore., Dr. Blodgett still makes time for the Medical Teams International clinics as he feels that these “invigorate the soul.”

The Medical Teams International Mobile Dental Program provides free or low-cost dental care to low-income children and adults, the homeless and migrant workers who lack insurance or a realistic way to pay for treatment. Since 1989, the program has provided care for more than 176,000 patients. In 2010, Mobile Dental saw more than 17,000 patients and provided approximately $7 million worth of free dental care.

To learn more about the Mobile Dental program and other Medical Teams International services please see our Mobile Dental Program page.

Medical Teams International Responds to Crisis in East Africa

19 Jul 2011 16:45

(PORTLAND, Ore., July 19, 2011)—The worst drought in 60 years has hit East Africa, leaving 11 million people malnourished and sick. It’s estimated that 30 to 40 percent of the children are suffering from acute malnutrition. Portland-based Medical Teams International is sending in the first of two teams to help beginning this week.

Three international disaster relief professionals from Medical Teams International staff leave Saturday for Somalia. They bring much-needed medical supplies to help treat the sick to Somalis who are walking for days toward Kenya in search of food and water. The team also will assess the short and long-term needs of those who are severely malnourished.

Team members include: Janis Lindsteadt, Director of Technical Services, Portland, Ore.; Dilanga Manuweera, Emergency Medical Technician from Phnom Penh, Cambodia; and David Aula, Program Officer for Uganda. A second team – made up of U.S. medical volunteers – will follow in a few days after receiving reports from the “first-in” team.

You can help save lives of Somalian people; donate today to Medical Teams International on the East Africa Drought Donations page. Additional information on the situation is here.

Double Impact Of Holiday Giving; Purchase from the New Gifts of Hope Catalog

06 Oct 2011 15:08

This holiday season, anything purchased from the Gifts of Hope Catalog from Medical Teams International is worth twice as much in saving the lives of 1 million women and children in 16 countries.

Thanks to the generosity of an anonymous Medical Teams International donor, gifts purchased now through December 31^st will be matched dollar-for-dollar up to $200,000.

People buying from the catalog can not only give a gift to help save someone else’s life, but honor those they love by purchasing a gift in their name.

"The Gifts of Hope Catalog is a fantastic way to find a meaningful and long-lasting present for my family and friends this holiday season,” said Gloria Bennett. “The ability to pick from multiple gifts makes it easier to personalize for each person on my list and offers the bonus of knowing exactly how my contribution will make a difference."

The Gift of Hope Catalog includes descriptions of each gift including malaria survival kits for $30 and medicine that can provide care for 10 Congolese refugee women and children for $25. The catalog also features stories from volunteers that work in these countries and distribute your gifts to those in need.

Visit Medical Teams International’s Web site at www.medicalteams.org to view the online gift catalog or call toll free (800) 959.4325 to request a print copy. For additional information about Medical Teams International and their One in a Million campaign please visit www.one.medicalteams.org.

Donor Doubles Medical Teams International's Response to Crisis in East Africa

02 Aug 2011 14:34

Griffin Outreach International announced today it was giving $25,000 immediately to Medical Teams International to care for those suffering from famine and disease in Somalia. In addition, the Washington-based foundation also offered $90,000 as a dollar-for-dollar match to Medical Teams International donors to help an additional 36,000 people in the immediate future with care and medicines.

The matching grant comes at a critical time when the worst drought in 60 years has hit East Africa, leaving 11 million people malnourished and sick. It’s estimated that 30 to 40 percent of the children are suffering from acute malnutrition.

“At a time when the only thing needed more than the basics of food, water and medicine is hope, Medical Teams International is hope,” said Dr. K.C. Thompson, managing director for Griffin Outreach International.

Medical Teams International has already delivered medical supplies to help treat the sick to Somalis who are walking for days toward Kenya in search of food and water. A volunteer medical team is expected to leave next week for Somalia to help staff on the scene with provide emergency care.

People wanting to provide gifts toward the matching grant may do so at the Medical Teams International secure website at: www.medicalteams.org/drought. Or you may call 800.959.4325 and mention the matching grant for east Africa famine.

Volunteer Focus: Dr. Stephen Knoff

20 Feb 2008 00:00

Dr. Stephen Knoff is joined by his staff in their Kirkland, Wash. offi ce. L-R: Sara Satterlee, Lisa Inman, Dr. Knoff, Brenda Schuman, Dana Sones and Jesus Sanchez (Photo courtesy of Dr. Knoff)

WASHINGTON - Dr. Stephen Knoff, in his work as an oral surgeon in Kirkland, Wash., loves to help people in acute need. A priority for him and for his staff is to help desperately needy people who cannot afford care.

Partnering with our Puget Sound area Mobile Dental program, Dr. Knoff has accepted hundreds of referrals—patients who have urgent surgical needs, but are unable to pay.

He and his staff recently cared for a cancer survivor whose teeth had been severely damaged by chemotherapy. When the woman's cancer returned, requiring more chemotherapy, she needed to have all of her teeth extracted before the treatments could begin. Her finances were depleted and she had no dental insurance.

“It’s difficult for adults to get free care,” says Dr. Knoff, remarking that our society is not always compassionate to adults in need. “I don’t know how this woman would have been able to start her treatment if we hadn't cared for her.”

Knoff has served on dental teams in other parts of the world, but says there is no shortage of need right here in the Pacific Northwest. “The need extends beyond our capacity to supply services. I try to use my gifts to help.”

Two key points inspire his support of Medical Teams International. “I believe in the mission. And just as importantly, I believe in their leadership skills and ability to carry out the mission. I’m glad to partner with a local organization that shares my values.”

RELATED LINKS

Learn more about volunteering with Mobile Dental
Make a gift to Mobile Dental today