International Medical Health Organization (IMHO): Rebuilding Lives IMHO is a grassroots global health nonprofit organization based in the United States that seeks to improve and develop health care services and infrastructure in under‐served regions worldwide. The organization was founded on principles of humanitarianism and neutrality in 2004 by a volunteer group of committed doctors and other professionals across the US that shared a vision for improved global health and medical care. IMHO aims to improve health care across the globe for those in need, by identifying health needs and providing resources & training to address those needs. We believe in empowering communities to build their own health systems, improve overall health, and respond to health needs as they arise. IMHO frequently partners with local and international non‐governmental organizations to better channel assistance to needy populations. Our work is focused in the areas of Primary Care & Public Health, Health Education & Training, and Capacity‐Building. In 2008, IMHO grew with the addition of IMHO Canada, which now serves as an independent organization that coordinates efforts closely with IMHO USA. In late 2010, IMHO Lanka was officially launched as well, marking a new frontier in the growth of the organization. IMHO USA is a registered USAID Private Voluntary Organization and a member of InterAction, the largest conglomeration of US‐based relief & development agencies.
Where does IMHO work?
Due to the unique nature of the organization, IMHO is primarily focused on impoverished and disadvantaged regions of Sri Lanka, where marginalized populations have endured conflict, poverty, and other hardships. IMHO works through an extensive network of contacts on the ground, including local doctors, health care officials, and other grassroots organizations in identifying health needs, and then providing resources and training to accommodate those needs. Over the years IMHO has also contributed to emergency relief and development efforts in Burma, Bangladesh, DR Congo, Ethiopia, Haiti, India, Indonesia, Pakistan, the Philippines, and the US.
What does IMHO do? IMHO has developed healthcare systems through training medical personnel and students, and providing them with medicine and resources to better assist needy populations. IMHO has established three primary healthcare centers and two psychiatric centers in mostly rural regions, with fully‐trained staff and equipment to accommodate basic medical needs in the area. These health workers have provided essential health education, disease prevention, counseling, and treatment. The organization also operates mobile clinics, to regions out of reach of the primary care centers. Through these efforts, IMHO has provided Federal Tax ID Number: 59-3779465 2381 Hylan Blvd, Suite 13B, Staten Island, NY 10306, USA. www.TheIMHO.org Tel: 718-667 3535; Fax: 718-667 3536; Email: contact@theimho.org
healthcare to tens of thousands of individuals. Additionally, IMHO responds in times of crisis, both in Sri Lanka and around the world, by helping to address the immediate health and medical needs, providing life‐ saving nutrition and medicines, equipments & medical devices, and providing shelter. During tsunami, times of flooding, and other natural and manmade disasters, IMHO always responds in a big way. IMHO also works to innovatively supplement healthcare infrastructure, by providing specialized resources. IMHO has provided medicines, medical books, staff support, and a myriad of health and medical supplies. Various efforts have been undertaken to develop health infrastructure across Sri Lanka in anesthesiology, cancer care, cardiology, emergency care, endocrinology, gastroenterology, mental health, nephrology, pathology, pediatrics, surgery, and more. In addition to this infrastructure development, IMHO regularly sends teams of healthcare professionals to provide direct relief and training to local personnel to sustain healthcare work in these regions. IMHO has sent over 400 healthcare professionals to Sri Lanka, to provide emergency relief and healthcare services. In 2010, IMHO also organized its first team of 6 volunteers to work with hospitals in Northwest Ethiopia. As the war in Sri Lanka came to an end in 2009, IMHO was the first to respond with emergency food relief inside the conflict zone. Since then, the organization is committed to rebuilding lives through efforts in mental health, physical rehabilitation & prostheses for amputees, microcredit & livelihoods development, and many other emergency relief & development measures.
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IMHO is strictly a non‐political, non‐religious, charitable nonprofit committed to humanitarian principles. Using an extensive network of personal and professional contacts on the ground, we are able to deliver aid and work on development projects with great success, particularly in Sri Lanka. IMHO has a very committed base of volunteers and supporters who share the organization’s vision and frequently get actively involved. As a grassroots organization with a keen understanding of ground realities and logistics, and a willingness to commit time and energy, IMHO is extremely well‐suited to deliver aid and to implement development projects in Sri Lanka, as evidenced by past accomplishments.
Please consider getting involved in our organization and supporting our work. For more information, please visit www.TheIMHO.org for more information. Federal Tax ID Number: 59-3779465 2381 Hylan Blvd, Suite 13B, Staten Island, NY 10306, USA. www.TheIMHO.org Tel: 718-667 3535; Fax: 718-667 3536; Email: contact@theimho.org