Samoan National Nurses Association

Various program services

Samoan Integrated Service Model (ISM)-The Samoan ISM serves to provide integrated mental health, medical and substance abuse treatment for the individual. It provides comprehensive mental health, medical and substance abuse services for individuals in their homes and in the community in all Los Angeles County. Samoan ISM services include, but are not limited to: Counseling; Medical services; Treatment for substance abuse; Medication support; Assist to find a safe place to live or help remain in the home; Assist with application for financial and health benefits; Assist in finding jobs or going back to school; Crisis support 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. Majority of SNNAs connection with the Samoan community is through direct outreach in a church setting every weekend, community health festival once or twice a month, and clients home, five to ten times a month. Stigma of Mental Health in the community has been long standing, we have been working in this project and overcoming culture and language barriers has been challenging. However, we have found that with bilingual outreach education, and awareness of mental health to the community in these settings, the stigma has somewhat soften within the past 3 years. Some community members are able to verbalize their needs and referred their love ones for help. And there is still more work to be done.

RO1- A Pap Test Intervention to Enhance Decision Making among Pacific Islander WomenRO1 project focuses on Samoan couples relationship, specifically on the mens social support and the impact they have on encouraging their wife and/or partner to get a pap test. Studies have shown that Samoan, Chamorro and Tongan women have the lowest screening rates compared to other Pacific Islander women. SNNAs health educators have developed relationships with churches and community leaders in the church, recruitments were done through these relationships. Health education sessions are schedule with a different church monthly. Each sessions last anywhere from 2 4 hours, churches were located in Southern California and Northern California. Our health educator traveled the distance to educate as well as follow-up the participants after 6 months of each session. Refreshments are part of these outreach, it is a way to show our appreciation for the participants time as well as a token of respect in the Samoan culture.