SNNA was established in 1996 as a non-profit organization and in November 2000 was granted federal tax-exempt status. In 2005, after recognizing a need for SNNA services in Washington State where there is a growing population of Pacific Islanders and an increase in health disparities, SNNA opened a branch office in Tacoma, WA. In 2007, SNNA opened a branch office in American Samoa to fill the need for health research, ongoing health education and screening services in the villages.

The mission of SNNA is to assist the Samoan community to better health. SNNA works to improve and expand the community's opportunities through quality health education, prevention screenings and primary health services, local and national policy advocacy, community organizing, community-based research and developing resources and linkages with government and community healthcare agencies.

In addition to SNNA's extensive experience in multiple health areas, SNNA is looking to strengthen delivery of services and information by incorporating research into their intervention planning and design. SNNA has entered into research partnerships with California State University Fullerton, University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), University of Southern California (USC), University of San Diego, Claremont Graduate University and City of Hope.

SNNA enjoys an excellent working relationship with community and government agencies collaborating on numerous projects. Given that Pacific Islanders are by nature and their culture a religious people, SNNA's primary collaboration has been with faith-based organizations. SNNA works together with pastors and their congregations to utilize their capacity to adequately share and disseminate health information by holding youth and adult community forums, focus groups and workshops where information / findings will be shared through the church affecting all generations and promoting community.