SAN DIEGO – September 12, 2023 – Fresh Start Surgical Gifts, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming the lives of children and their families through reconstructive surgery and related healthcare services, is delighted to announce its latest partnership with Operation Samahan (OPSAM) Health. This partnership marks a significant milestone in Fresh Start’s mission to empower children and families in the San Diego area by providing them with life-changing, no-cost surgical care. The screening clinic will be held at the Granger School Site Clinic: 2101 Granger Ave. Suite 101, National City, CA 91950.
In an unprecedented move, Fresh Start Surgical Gifts and OPSAM Health have combined their expertise and resources to launch a clinic that offers free surgeries and related medical services for children in need. This initiative represents an extraordinary commitment to the local community and a profound belief in the power of compassionate healthcare. Fresh Start Surgical Gifts and OPSAM Health are united in their mission to create a brighter and healthier future for the children of San Diego.
At the core of this collaboration is a commitment to providing life-changing and life-saving medical care to even more children in the San Diego community and around the world. The two organizations will host their first screening clinic, tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, September 20 from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM. This clinic represents the collective dedication to helping children and families across San Diego.
OPSAM Health has been caring for the community since 1973 and serves the uninsured, underinsured and underserved families in the San Diego. County area. Regardless of their income level or ability to pay, the organization is committed to providing accessible and quality healthcare services to improve the health and well-being of the community. This history and commitment make OPSAM a vital resource in addressing healthcare disparities and improving the overall health of the community it serves.
Dr. Archie Bella, the visionary CEO of OPSAM Health Clinic, is spearheading this transformative partnership. Dr. Bella’s passion for community well-being aligns seamlessly with Fresh Start Surgical Gifts’ mission. Together, they are set to create a positive impact on disadvantaged children and their families. “Our team at OPSAM Health is looking forward to our first collaboration with Fresh Start and excited to work together for the betterment of our community,” expressed the team at OPSAM Health.
This partnership underscores a shared vision of making high-quality surgical care accessible and equitable for children and families in San Diego. Fresh Start Surgical Gifts and OPSAM Health are determined to redefine the standards of high-quality, accessible healthcare to families.
Michelle Pius, Chief Development Officer & Global Partnerships at Fresh Start Surgical Gifts, shared her enthusiasm: “We are thrilled to announce our dynamic partnership with OPSAM Health, a leap forward in our expansion across San Diego, and a leap closer to bringing accessible medical care to children in need! Thanks to Dr. Bella and the OPSAM Health team, our upcoming screening clinic at one of OPSAM Health’s dynamic San Diego locations will not only provide essential care but also help alleviate stress from each and every family.”
Since 1991, Fresh Start has helped 8,818 children and has expanded into multiple regions throughout the U.S., headquartered in San Diego with locations in Chicago, San Antonio and globally in Costa Rica with Sanford Health, PediaClinic and Hospital Metropolitano. Fresh Start accepts applications on an ongoing basis, with one goal of making screenings, healthcare and treatments available and accessible for as many children as possible. Children may be cared for in San Diego at Rady Children’s Hospital, San Antonio at University Hospital or Chicago at Comer Children’s Hospital.
Fresh Start remains committed to helping improve the lives of children and families across the U.S., partnering with organizations that share their mission and vision. Walk-ins are welcome, or can’t make it on September 20th? Call us or click the link to complete an application. If you have any questions, please call 760-448-2018. For media inquiries, contact Bianca Kasawdish at Bianca@TeamInnoVision.com.
ABOUT FRESH START
Fresh Start transforms the lives of disadvantaged infants, children and teens who have physical and cosmetic deformities through their gift of reconstructive surgery. Providing reconstructive, plastic and neurosurgeries for children across the U.S., Fresh Start’s commitment to children extends far beyond medical care. The organization ensures their children will leave feeling more empowered than before. Every child receives the highest quality medical care, and the families never see a bill for the services provided. 100% of contributions go directly to medical programs. To learn more, visit FreshStart.org.
ABOUT OPSAM HEALTH
Operation Samahan (Opsam) is a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) that serves has been Caring for the Community Since 1973. Founded in 1973 in a barber shop in Downtown San Diego by Filipino health professionals offering services to immigrants who did not have the finances, linguistic skills, or ability to navigate the health care system. Today, Operation Samahan has evolved into a diverse community health center with services available in National City, Mira Mesa, Scripps Ranch, and Rancho Penasquitos. We provide primary care, dental, behavioral health, family planning, integrative health and wellness, healthy eating, civic engagement and other health related services to the uninsured, underinsured, and underserved families of all income levels regardless of their ability to pay. To learn more, visit OPSAM.org.