One of IMR’s most recent and longer missions is that of supporting the COVID-19 pandemic response. While international trips stopped during the pandemic pausing IMR’s traditional weekly international medical missions around the world, IMR still found a way to help. IMR’s volunteers provided 24/7 medical support at an all women’s shelter in downtown Denver. During this nontraditional medical deployment, IMR volunteers offered constant long term medical care to the Denver female homeless population. This care extended into managing mental health illnesses.

Below is one how one IMR paramedic volunteer describes his experience. “ Every shift is different. However, there are a few contents with every shift. Every shift you will sit down with at least one guest as they tell you their story and how they got to where they are. These stories often include loss, personal triumph, and perseverance. Every shift you will help at least one guest recover from an anxiety attack. You will provide healthy coping techniques. And almost every shift you will see a thank you. By that I mean you will see it in their eyes. You see their smile as you bring them a cup of water. You see their smile when you care. I have never experienced anything like it before in my life.” IMR provided constant medical care and taught many of the women in the shelter how to manage their anxiety, how to create a safety plan, and how to preserve through the rough days.