New Orleans Medical Mission Services, Inc. (NOMMS) began active operation in April of 2002. The founders were a combination of physicians and senior business executives. The purpose of our organization is to “deliver medical expertise and treatment to the underprivileged population of foreign countries by providing services, treatment and supplies, and to do so with dignity and self esteem to program recipients and participants.”

NOMMS was formed as a legal entity in Louisiana. Effective April 23, 2001, NOMMS was classified by the IRS as a charitable organization described in section 501 (c) (3). The IRS further classified NOMMS as a 509 (a) (2) “Publicly Supported Organization.”

The original funding of NOMMS came from private donations. This initial funding enabled NOMMS to conduct the first mission to Ecuador with 28 physicians and technical staff in 2002. In addition it provided the seed money to begin operations with a small warehouse and a limited purchase of medical supplies to support the first mission.

The Officers of NOMMS include the President, Chief Executive Officer, Vice President, Secretary and a Chief Financial Officer. The officers are Directors and form the Executive Committee of the Board. At the recommendation of the Executive Committee, the Board of Directors approved the formation of a Steering Committee, as required by the By-laws, to support the growth of NOMMS. The Sub Committees are:

• Medical
• Financial
• Development
• Community Relations
• Logistics
• Technology
• Legal
• Administration
• Investment

Initially NOMMS utilized approximately 50 volunteers. Currently, the volunteers have grown to over 500. We are proud of the diversity of our volunteers. The ages range from teenagers assisting in the warehouse to retired medical and non-medical individuals. All religions and races are represented in our volunteer corp. Our volunteers share a common vision and belief in our mission statement.

After almost 3 years of operation utilizing 100% volunteers, the directors determined that it was necessary to employ a part time surgical nurse to insure quality assurance of medical materials. Due to the increase in mission and donation activities, the Board of Directors required more formal coordination, management and control. As a result, an experienced business specialist was enlisted to manage the operations.

In 2004, NOMMS leased 2800 square feet of suitable space to receive, process, store and ship medical materials. Due to the growing donations of medical materials by hospitals, medical supply companies and physicians, a larger processing facility was needed. In February of 2010, NOMMS leased a 9,000 square foot facility.

Starting in 2004, NOMMS engaged a Public Accounting firm to conduct the annual external audit and comply with tax reporting requirements. Audit reports are available upon request.

NOMMS maintains a General Liability policy to insure the risk exposure at the warehouse facility. In addition, a Director and Officer Liability policy is maintained.

To support additional missions and donations of medical supplies, equipment and instruments, NOMMS conducted the first fundraising Gala in May of 2003. The Annual Mission Possible Gala is the primary fundraiser. Other sources of revenue include, the Annual Golf Tournament, private donations, grants from foundations and religious and civic organizations.

In late 2003, NOMMS developed and opened a web site to communicate information about our organization and provide a means to effectively communicate with donors, volunteers and foreign partners.

One of the functions of NOMMS is to travel to foreign countries with a team of medical and support personnel to perform medical interventions to benefit those people who are unable to obtain health care. NOMMS performs no unnecessary or cosmetic procedures. Our ministry is one of healing the sick and doing so with care and compassion. NOMMS has no direct religious affiliation. NOMMS works in the name of Christianity and ministers to people of all religions, races and denominations.

Before a mission is approved by the Directors of NOMMS, a partnership with a foundation and sponsor is firmly established. Criteria for approval as a partner is as follow:

1. There can be no charges for services and materials used to provide medical
   treatment.
2. Safety and security measures must be in place during the entire mission for all
   participants including working conditions, transportation and housing.
3. The mission partner must provide assurance that both the mission team and the
   medical materials sent in advance and carried with the team will be acknowledged
   and approved by all regulatory agencies within the country and the work location.
4. All medical treatment to be provided during the mission will be reviewed and
   approved in advance by the physicians of the host partner and NOMMS
   physicians.

The service functions of NOMMS are to:

• Conduct medical missions, including surgical procedures and consultations.
• Collect and donate medical equipment, supplies and instruments to our partners in foreign countries.
• Operate an eye clinic in conjunction with medical mission and distribute free eyeglasses.
• Operate dental clinics.
• Provide medical education and education materials.
• Maintain emergency first aid supplies for rapid donation to disaster affected areas.

Our current goals are to complete two to four medical missions per year, conduct eye clinics as part of the missions, conduct education programs and donate multiple containers of medical materials per year. The average cost of a medical mission is $70,000. The average cost for the donation of one container of medical materials is $5,000. The current education program costs $5,000 for supplies and materials.

In summary, New Orleans Medical Mission Services, despite its short history, has successful results in meeting its past goals. NOMMS has a strong team of volunteers and a strong network of concerned individuals and companies who donate medical materials on a continuing basis. The financial picture is satisfactory with sufficient funding to support current operations and meet short-term mission goals. However, our plans, as stated earlier include expansion of vertical and horizontal services. Additional fundraising will determine the timeline to reach our goals. Our future growth is constrained only by additional financial support.