Washington, D.C. – Friday, Congresswoman Aumua Amata welcomed a federal health care grant for American Samoa from the U.S. Health and Human Services (HHS) Department.

This discretionary grant of $259,100 is designated to the American Samoa Department of Health through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), specifically the National Center for Chronic Diseases Prevention and Health Promotion. This federal assistance is directed to enable American Samoa’s health actions focused on prevention of diabetes, heart disease, tobacco-related illness and other such chronic risks.

“I’m pleased to note that these federal funds are for our Territory’s efforts to control diabetes, heart disease, and tobacco-related health needs,” said Aumua Amata. “Federal assistance is very important to the health services we need in the islands, and I appreciate the work put in by all our health professionals. Thank you to program coordinator Farrah Lesa on this project.”

HHS is led by Secretary Alex Azar, and the CDC is directed by Dr. Robert Redfield.