ST. ANNA'S MEDICAL MISSION
History
In November 2005, several months after Hurricane Katrina caused massive flooding in New Orleans, there were a number of churches offering St. Anna's Episcopal Church assistance. One of those offerings was a second-hand RV that could be used for housing.
During conversations between Fr. Bill Terry, Rector, Diana Meyers (a parishioner and registered nurse who had lost her job due to the storm), and members of these supporting churches the lack of medical care in the region was recognized and the potential for a mobile medical unit to work in underserved communities was identified. Donor churches and St. Anna's parishioners rallied around the concept of the mobile medical unit, and S.A.M.M. was born. The Episcopal Diocese of Louisiana was so encouraged with our plans they gave us a grant of $100,000 for the first year's budget.
As things go, the donated RV was not "road worthy" and the search for another RV, and the funding for it, began. Through the generosity of many individuals, churches and groups around the country and another grant from the La. Diocese through the national Episcopal Relief and Development we were able to secure an RV, have graphics placed on it to identify us and pay the first year's insurance. The back of the RV reflects the names of those who contributed as little as $12.50 or as much as $12,000 towards its purchase.
While waiting for the RV to arrive, screenings were conducted at the church and at fairs. Partnerships were being formed and contacts made to provide medical care on the unit once it arrived. The RV finally arrived in late June 2006 and we've been out every week since then.
