In 1986, San Diego attorney Barry La Forgia, participated on a mission trip to Peru where he helped construct shelters for impoverished people living in the Amazon Jungle. He was so moved by the experience and the desperate needs in the world that he returned to San Diego, left his law practice, and in March of 1988 formed Southwest Medical Teams.

IRT Volunteer, Nanette Laufik, PA (L) with Tsunami Victim in Bande Aceh

The concept of the newly formed organization was to link people in need with teams of volunteers who had the skills (both medical and non-medical) to meet those needs. By the end of 1988, Southwest Medical Teams had sent volunteer teams to Oaxaca, Mexico to break ground on a health and agricultural center, to the island of Jamaica to provide emergency care for victims of Hurricane Gilbert, and to Armenia to treat thousands of people injured by one of the largest earthquakes of the century.

In 1996 the name was changed to International Relief Teams (IRT) to more adequately reflect the expanding work of the organization. IRT has grown into a global humanitarian relief organization directing its activities toward providing disaster relief, medical training, surgical outreach, and health promotion & disease prevention. Throughout the years IRT has responded to disasters and/or conducted programs in the United States, Central and South America, Eastern Europe, Asia, the South Pacific and Africa

By maintaining a small staff and utilizing volunteers to implement its programs, IRT has been able to sustain maximum efficiency - more than 98% of all donations go to its programs! And, IRT has achieved the highest rating of 4 Stars by Charity Navigator, the largest independent charity evaluator.

As we celebrate our 20th year of service, we want to thank our volunteers and donors for your tremendous compassion and commitment - we couldn't have reached this milestone without your support! Since you have made it all possible, we hope that you will join in IRT's 20th anniversary celebration at this year's "Gifts of Hope" Gala on October 18 at the San Diego Marriott Hotel & Marina. It will be a memorable evening, and we look forward to seeing you there!

IRT Executive Director, Barry La Forgia with villagers in Guatemala

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