Project Access-East Tennessee

09/04/2026

We will see you on Tuesday, September 8th!

09/02/2026

✨Access Starts Here: Meet Loretta✨

For Loretta, access is the key that opens doors to specialty services that might otherwise remain closed. As AMPA’s Receptionist, she is often one of the first people patients interact with, and she wants them to feel comfortable and safe from that very first interaction. “I want them to know that we are here to help them navigate those areas,” she says, especially when specialty healthcare can feel intimidating or overwhelming.

One thing Loretta hopes every patient remembers is that it is okay, and often necessary, to ask questions. She encourages patients and families to take notes during medical consultations so they can better understand their diagnosis and available treatments. After only about a month at AMPA, Loretta realized just how much the organization does to connect patients with specialty care they may otherwise never receive. That realization has stayed with her, along with a simple belief: “It is not a sign of weakness to ask for help; it is a sign of strength.” For Loretta, creating access means offering help without judgment and making sure people feel comfortable accepting it.

Access Starts Here, with a willingness to ask for help and someone ready to help you find the way.

09/01/2026

Yesterday, AMPA took a trip through the decades with our Decades Day Potluck, featuring everything from classic ambrosia salad to Cosmic Brownies and plenty of delicious dishes in between! Our team got into the spirit with some amazing decade-inspired outfits, bringing a little piece of every era to the table. It was a fun afternoon filled with good food, great laughs, and a whole lot of nostalgia!

08/26/2026

Today, we recognize Women's Equality Day and the women who work every day to make a difference in our community. At AMPA, almost our entire staff is made up of women who bring their knowledge, compassion, advocacy, and dedication to the work of helping patients access the healthcare they need.

We believe that access to healthcare is part of building a community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Today, we're proud to celebrate the women behind the mission and the impact they make every day.

08/21/2026

✨Meet the Mission: Erica✨

Meet Erica, one of AMPA's Care Coordinators. In her role, she helps uninsured patients navigate the healthcare system and connects them with the specialty care they need. For Erica, the heart of the work is removing the barriers that can keep someone from getting the care they need. Sometimes, that starts with simply having someone who will listen, advocate, and help them figure out what comes next.

One of the moments that has stayed with Erica is seeing the relief on a patient's face when they realize that someone is truly willing to help. As she puts it, “Even the things that may feel like small steps to us can be life-changing for someone else.” Knowing she can help someone access care they didn't think was possible is what makes her work so rewarding.

And when she's not helping patients find their next step? You might find her enjoying a Pumpkin Spice Latte or Chai Latte.

We're proud to have Erica as part of the AMPA team and grateful for the difference she makes every day.

08/18/2026

We are incredibly grateful to the Northeast Tennessee Medical Alliance for its generous donation to AMPA’s Patient Assistance Program. This support helps patients overcome practical barriers to care, including transportation, medications, and other essential needs.

Thank you for partnering with AMPA to ensure that access to healthcare starts here, in our community. Your generosity makes a meaningful difference in the lives of the patients we serve.

08/17/2026

Access starts with us. This National Nonprofit Day, we're celebrating the power of community and the impact nonprofits have on the lives of those they serve.

At AMPA we believe access to healthcare starts with more than an appointment, it starts with people. Through the support of healthcare providers, community partners, donors, and advocates, we're able to help connect uninsured individuals with the care they need.

Thank you to everyone who helps make access possible. Together, we're building healthier communities, one connection at a time!

08/14/2026

✨ Meet the Mission: McKenna ✨

What excites McKenna most about AMPA's future is the organization's continued commitment to making healthcare accessible for uninsured and underserved individuals throughout our community. She's inspired by the way AMPA brings together local healthcare providers and community partners to remove barriers to care, knowing that even the smallest contribution can help change someone's life.

To McKenna, community means people coming together with compassion, trust, and a shared commitment to helping one another succeed. When asked why someone should support Project Access, she shared that every contribution, whether through time, resources, or advocacy, helps ensure individuals receive the care they need while creating healthier families and stronger communities.

This year, Mckenna is focused on making more meaningful memories with friends and family, guided by their favorite quote: "Be where your feet are." A reminder to be fully present, cherish the moments that matter most, and not let tomorrow steal today.

08/10/2026

08/07/2026

✨ Meet the Mission: Pam ✨

From the very beginning of their career, Pam knew she wanted to do work that was meaningful, purposeful, and made a difference. That desire to help others is what led her to Project Access, where they find purpose in connecting individuals to medical care they may not otherwise be able to receive.

To Pam, AMPA's mission is about serving others with compassion, kindness, and respect while taking the time to listen and build trust with the people and communities we serve. When asked what she wished more people knew about Project Access, her answer was simple: that this incredible resource exists. Her hope is that more people become aware of the program so those in need know that help is available.

Outside of work, Pam says their faith is what keeps them motivated each day. And for a fun fact? She was once crowned her middle school's Hula Hoop Champion—a title they still wear proudly, even if the trophy has long since disappeared!