Community Outreach Programs

SNMA focuses on community outreach to fulfill its mission to not only nurture and support the academic enrichment of its members, but also to serve communities in a real and proactive way. Our outreach programs concentrate on educating and empowering local communities to make healthy lifestyle choices. We continually pilot and implement community service programs following National Protocols. Protocols that were created to guide our efforts to directly serve minority communities through health education and screening programs. Regions and chapters adhere to these National Protocols to educate young and old as SNMA fulfills its commitment to reduce morbidity and mortality in underserved communities.

National Protocols

These standard outreach protocols have been developed by SNMA National Committees over several years and are implemented by SNMA chapters locally, at regional conferences, and sometimes at the Annual Medical Education Conference.

January – Mental Health Awareness

Mission for Mental Health seeks to correct the inequalities in diagnosis, treatment and education of mental illnesses in communities of color. SNMA members seek to be at the forefront of the drive to minimize stigma surrounding mental illness.

February – Pipeline Mentoring Institute

March – Violence Prevention

Violence Prevention helps an adolescent to acknowledge anger as a natural emotion and shows them alternative non-violent ways of expressing themselves. Students are also taught how to resolve conflicts in a constructive non-violent manner.

April – Healthy People Health Fairs

"Healthy People" Health Fairs are consistent with the U.S. Surgeon General's call to action for the 21st century, and in collaboration with other community organizations as SNMA conducts annual health fairs across the nation. Targeted to underserved communities and those with limited access to healthcare, members educate thousands of individuals about the importance of healthy living and provide screenings for common health conditions, such as high blood pressure and diabetes.

August – Pipeline Mentoring Institute

September – Tissue & Organ Donor Education Recruitment (TODER)

Tissue and Organ Donation Education and Recruitment Program (TODER) educates underrepresented communities about organ donation and encourages people to enroll in organ and tissue donation programs.

October – Obesity Awareness and Prevention

Health and Wellness Program through Obesity Prevention involves disseminating information regarding healthy eating and physical activity to the community, as well as encouraging healthy lifestyle modification and weight loss for adults if appropriate.

November – Smoking Cessation and Prevention

Smoking Prevention and Cessation provides a mechanism for SNMA members to promote healthy lifestyles that include the avoidance of tobacco products among youth.

December – Sexual Health and LGBTQIA+ Awareness

Sexual Health Awareness educates teenagers about their bodies and about the positive use and expression of sexuality. It is intended to increase self-esteem, improve relationships, and decrease the incidence of teen pregnancy and the spread of sexually transmitted diseases.

Visit the Community Service Committee webpage to learn more about how you can involved with community outreach!