St. Anna’s Medical Mission
St Anna’s Medical Mission (SAMM) is a mobile unit that rotates through neighborhoods in and around New Orleans providing healthcare outreach, education and referrals. We utilize local and out-of-state volunteer doctors, nurses and non-medical volunteers to compliment our staff. SAMM was founded with the goal of being responsive to the evolving needs of New Orleanians and an important link to rebuilding access to quality healthcare.
About SAMM
Initially many people returning to the New Orleans area had healthcare coverage and access problems due to the closure of the Charity Healthcare system, the displacement of doctors and the competing demands of rebuilding their lives. Although there are more clinics available for the uninsured and under-insured, there is still not enough and many are unfamiliar with those that exist. Due to legal concerns, thousands of immigrant workers do not visit traditional healthcare providers. Health education and literacy is low among the underserved population in our area, and there is a level of historic mistrust of the medical community.
By taking mobile health services to people in their own communities, we reach a population otherwise without access to healthcare because of a myriad of reasons. By consistently being available, providing services with respect and dignity, we earn trust, educate and empower our patients to become more active in their own healthcare and provide referral services to many new community based clinics and services in the New Orleans area. Our patients represent a picture of deep economic, cultural and racial diversity, and include a high number of working class, low-income or medically under-served people. We provide a focused outreach to local musicians, the homeless and immigrant workers who often have unmet medical needs, are self-employed and lack means for health insurance.
From our inception in early 2006 through October 2010 we have:
- Provided over 16,00 services to clients
- Expanded our mental health services
- Developed strong partnerships with community-based agencies and programs
- Strengthened collaborations with other healthcare providers
- Received in 2007 an Innovator of the Year Award from CityBusiness Magazine
- Consistently looked to improve staff and organizational knowledge that will enhance patient care
- Provided a supportive environment for medical and nursing education
