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Amata welcomes additional federal grant funding for American Samoa

Aumua with DOH director Motusa Tuileama Nua.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman Aumua Amata welcomed a federal health care grant for mothers and children in American Samoa.

“Federal funds make specialized programs possible, in this case serving our mothers, infants, and young children,” said Aumua Amata. “The accumulation of federal funding, whether a grant is large or small, combines to make a big difference for our islands, and I’m pleased to pass along news of this grant.”

Specifically, the grant of $122,698 is through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), led by Secretary Alex Azar. This discretionary grant is directed to maternal and child services through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA).

“I want to express appreciation to all our health professionals, the work they do, and to everyone involved in this program, especially Margaret Sesepesara,” continued Congresswoman Amata. “Thank you also to Health Director Motusa Tuileama Nua.”

“Once again, we appreciate Secretary Alex Azar, HHS and HRSA for this support for American Samoa,” concluded Amata.

VETERANS HEALTH BILL SHE CO-SPONSORED

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Thursday, December 20, 2018 - Congresswoman Aumua Amata welcomed Senate final passage of a bipartisan House bill that she co-sponsored, the No Hero Left Untreated Act, H.R. 1162, a veterans health care initiative.

The bill has been sent to President Trump to be signed into law, and it builds an important groundwork for more future treatment for veterans who have suffered trauma, starting with a pilot program.

“Many of our veterans deal with trauma in a variety of ways in their service, and effects from that can carry over into civilian life,” said Aumua Amata. “This bill establishes a pilot program for advanced trauma treatment and the assessment of these medical efforts that could lead to more treatment options in the future.”

Specifically, the bill provides for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to carry out a one-year pilot program using access to magnetic EEG/EKG-guided resonance therapy to treat veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, military sexual trauma, chronic pain, or opiate addiction.

This effort will start with two VA facilities, and provide this therapy to more than 50 veterans, before assessment of the program after one year. The bill originated in the House Committee on Veterans Affairs, on which she serves, and was introduced by Rep. Stephen Knight (R-CA).