Non-Profit is Partnering with United Way for Distribution in Salem area

(Portland, OR) September 11, 2020 – As massive wildfires are displacing tens of thousands of people and leaving a wake of destruction across the western U.S., the non-profit Medical Teams International is fundraising to provide critically needed hygiene supplies in the Pacific Northwest.

The organization aims to engage its existing volunteer base to build 3,000 of its Compassion Force hygiene kits on Monday, September 14th at its Distribution Center in Tigard, OR. The kits will then be delivered to United Way’s Salem office and distributed to the evacuation centers at Oregon State Fairgrounds and Deschutes County Fairgrounds. Additional kits will be assembled and distributed as needed.

“This afternoon, the Oregon Governor’s office has confirmed more than 40,000 Oregonians have evacuated their communities and an estimated 500,000 people statewide are under some level of evacuation order because of wildfire,” said Martha Newsome, president and CEO of Medical Teams International. “These numbers include many of our staff, family and neighbors. Our hearts are heavy, but we are thankful to partner with United Way to address urgent needs.”

Medical Teams will also provide specialized medical equipment (e.g. walkers, nebulizers, diabetes strips, and testers) as requested, while discerning other areas of needed support as this critical situation unfolds.

About Medical Teams International

Founded in 1979, Medical Teams International provides life-saving medical care for people in crisis, such as survivors of natural disasters and refugees. We care for the whole person— physical, emotional, social and spiritual. Daring to love like Jesus, we serve all people—regardless of religion, nationality, sex or race. Because every person—no matter where they are or how desperate their situation—matters. Learn more at medicalteams.org and on social media using @medicalteams.

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