Between tsunamis in Japan and Indonesia, famine in Somalia, earthquakes in Haiti, as well as hurricanes, tornadoes, and floods here in the United States, there is an increasing demand for volunteers to assist in world medical/dental relief. GFR offers medical, dental, sustainable construction projects, recovery efforts, as well as health education, community development, and improvements in infrastructure. Many countries across the world are so desperately in need of support that things as simple as routine medical care, clean water, and safe schools and hospitals can begin to create community empowerment and sustainable, long-term changes within those communities.
“As a physician I feel a call to assist in these times of need. At times I have found it challenging to determine where I would be needed most and which organizations to volunteer with. Multiple independent agencies offer information on providing medical aid and donations, but there is no centralized database. Information is scarce, leaving me skeptical about some volunteer organizations and programs. This was my goal in creating Global First Responder: to assemble a centralized resource for my fellow health care providers. GFR is a place to get information on various world medical relief agencies; additionally, it is a place for individuals to share their stories, ask questions, and interact through our blog.
It is my hope that a more coordinated effort will make it easier for medical professionals to assist and provide the necessary care to people around the world.”
After the 2010 earthquake that rocked Haiti, emergency response and relief organizations were left in total disarray. It was at this time that Dr, Adam Beckett recognized the need for a relief agency that could be nimble and would advocate for the sharing of information amongst other Nonprofit organizations, that would work together to coordinate teams of experts and professionals to deploy for high-impact trips in regions of need.
Since then, Global First Responder has evolved into an organization that advocates for healthcare delivery and equity globally, community health education, disaster relief efforts and sustainability projects. Welcoming volunteers of all skill sets, Global First Responder has teams of more than just medical professionals. We often have construction teams that work on the ground to provide sustainable projects such as building schools, creating clean water infrastructure and clinic design and we build water treatment facilities capable of cleaning 10,000 gallons per day with local water engineers and labor.
To date, Global First Responder has worked in a total of 36 countries to provide positive community endorsed sustainable infrastructure and healthcare solutions.
We believe that everyone has the right to have access to quality healthcare and quality of life and we choose to live together as One World, One Family.
Global First Responder is a non-religious, non-politically affiliated, not-for-profit organization.
We are a volunteer organization, no member of the staff or board receives any compensation.