About Us
IMAT-International Medical Assistance Team is a non faith based, non political, non governmental humanitarian organization made up of medical professionals that volunteer their time and expertise in response to disaster or crisis in order to mitigate human suffering and preserve the dignity of effected populations. IMAT is a 501c3 non profit corporation founded in the days immediately following the earthquake in Haiti on January 12, 2010. We are an organization of grassroots origins that provides medical professionals with the support they need to deploy safely and effectively.
On January 12, 2010 at 1653hr local time, the nation of Haiti was struck by a catastrophic 7.0 earthquake. In the days immediately following, this unprecedented disaster, the International Medical Assistance Team was formed and deployed into the epicenter. Where they were extremely effective, quickly establishing contact with the UN, the local government and law enforcement, the US and Canadian Military, and coordinated with the Canadian Medical Assistance Teams and other arriving medical resources. Ultimately establishing a partnership with the Canadian Medical Assistance Teams for projects in Haiti as well as future disaster responses.
In March of 2010, IMAT introduced CMAT to the Jenkins / Penn Hatian Relief organization and began a long standing and exclusive relationship during which we provided staffing for the medical facility providing care for one of the largest IDP camps in Haiti.
The nation of Chile was struck soon after, by a Magnitude 8.8 earthquakenear Concepcion, on February 27th 2010, the International Medical Assistance Team and the Canadian Medical Assistance Teams deployed a joint rapid assessment team into the area. IMAT administration liaised with Chilean diplomats and military, made shipping arrangements, reserved helicopters and placed the volunteers and resources meant for Chile, in Haiti. As they proved not to be required in Chile.
When Pakistan was stricken with the worst flooding in living memory and comparatively few aid organizations would respond, IMAT was there to provide medical relief and the means to provide 136,800 liters of clean drinking water per day. We formed a consortium and provided logistical support to other aid organizations. Our high capacity water filtration system remains in Pakistan in cooperation with other NGO's.
Following the Japanese earthquake and tsunami of May 2011, IMAT and CMAT again deployed a joint assessment team, that made great strides in breaking down logistical barriers before wisely withdrawing. Follow up teams were able to push into the Miagi prefecture and based out of Ishinumaki to provide aid to the surrounding population in shelters. As well as provide purified water to a community.
We have processed and deployed hundreds of volunteers safely and effectively in their effort to assist in the mitigation of human suffering and the preservation of dignity for effected populations of disaster or crisis . Our Teams have cared for tens of thousands of people in desperate need of surgical, emergent and primary care. As well as contributed / distributed thousands of pounds of medical supplies and pharmaceuticals. We've also provided administrative / logistical support to other organizations.
Our focus is to maintain a high state of readiness for disaster response through proper vetting of volunteers, training with a focus on SPHERE humanitarian standards and FEMA, as well as organizational relationships and MOU's (memorandums of understanding) with long term partners. If you are a representative of an organization, that has interest in partnering with IMAT, we encourage you to contact us at info@IMATeam.org.
If you are unable to volunteer, please consider making a charitable contribution, to the International Medical Assistance Team. Donations are tax deductible and will benefit the International Medical Assistance Team. Furthering their humanitarian work around the world and helping to maintain a high state of readiness for international disaster response.