Medical Teams International has gained recognition for their humanitarian work abroad through vital projects such as health clinics, vaccination sites, or nutritional screening and support teams. However, people from the United States, specifically in the Pacific Northwest, also benefit from the important work of this globally reaching nonprofit. In Washington and Oregon, Medical Teams International serves to bridge the health care gap, providing free mobile health clinics to people in those who struggle to access health care on their own.  They serve those living in poverty, the disabled, elderly, homeless, migrant workers, recovering addicts, veterans, and youth who lack insurance or a realistic way to pay for their treatment. In 2024, Medical Teams International provided a total 783 clinics in 28 counties in Oregon and Washington, providing high-quality free care to 6,111 patients. They have now served over 500,000 people in their clinics since the program’s inception.
For 36 years, Medical Teams International has being doing this important work. Initially, these were mobile dental clinics. Eventually, the services in this program expanded to other physical and mental health care needs. After 36 years of this service, they found themselves with an aging fleet of vehicles. As you can imagine, when mobile clinics are cancelled due to vehicles needing repairs, it impacts their ability to serve at an average of 8-15 patients per clinic.
Health Care continues to be a principal Program Area for the Cheney Foundation, so the Ben B. Cheney Foundation was proud to provide Medical Teams International with a grant to help them purchase a new clinic vehicle for their Care & Connect Mobile Health Clinic. This grant will help ensure free medical and dental services are continued for residents of Pierce County, Washington, as well as others in this region. The new vehicle is in the final phase of preparation for service and will be on the road by the end of winter, 2025. Take a video tour of their new van here. Learn more about Medical Teams International’s work in our region at: medicalteams.org/united-states/.
About Medical Teams International:
Founded in 1979, Medical Teams International provides life-saving medical care for people in crisis, such as refugees, internally displaced persons, and survivors of conflict zones and natural disasters.