LANAMA

The Latin American and Native American Medical Association (LANAMA) was founded in 1985 to create a welcoming and supportive environment for Latin American and Native American students at the University of Michigan Medical School. For nearly forty years, LANAMA has worked to promote mentorship, professional development, and equitable care through community outreach and education.

We have chosen to fundraise for the Michigan Medicine Health Equity and Inclusion Fund because it directly supports programs that improve access to care and address health disparities in the communities we serve. This fund aligns with LANAMA’s longstanding commitment to advancing the health and well-being of Latin American and Native American populations in Michigan through collaboration, outreach, and education.

Our annual Community Health Fair after Spanish-language Mass at St. Mary’s Student Parish connects Ann Arbor community members with bilingual screenings and health resources. We plan to extend these efforts to partner with American Indian Health and Family Services in Detroit, which provides integrated care rooted in both traditional and Western medicine. These activities reflect our shared goal with Michigan Medicine of building healthier communities through partnership and respect for cultural values.

In addition to community outreach, LANAMA supports medical students through mentorship events, research workshops, and cultural programs that prepare future physicians to serve diverse patient populations with empathy and understanding. By raising funds through the Michigan Medicine Health Equity and Inclusion Fund, we can strengthen these initiatives and help ensure that our student leaders have the tools to expand their work beyond the medical school.

This fund represents a shared investment in the next generation of physicians who will continue to promote trust, compassion, and equitable access to care for all Michigan residents.