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U.S. Department of Health and Human Services awards $337,070 to Instersections, Inc.

 WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (USDHHS) last week awarded $337,070 to Intersections, Inc., a faith-based not-for-profit youth organization based in American Samoa.

The funding, which was awarded through US-DHHS Administration on Children, Youth, and Families (ACYF), is a Personal Responsibility Education Program (PREP) competitive grant.  The program was authorized by the Affordable Care Act (ACA) passed by Congress and signed into law by President Barack Obama on March 23, 2010. The ACA provided funding for the program through September 2015.

The purpose of PREP is to provide education for adolescents and young adults on the prevention of pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections, including HIV/AIDS. Applicants to the program are encouraged to serve youth populations that are the most high-risk or vulnerable for pregnancies. The three-year PREP grant will assist Intersections, Inc. in providing teen pregnancy prevention curriculum in public and private high schools in Tualauta County.

Founded in 2002, Intersections, Inc. is under the leadership of Executive Director Moelili'a (Li'a) Seui and Program Manager Losoloso (Loso) I'aulualo. In the past three years alone, Intersections, Inc. has served over 6,000 youth in American Samoa. Currently, 50 youth are part of the leadership team which helps to foster positive youth outcomes through a holistic approach including technology, media, and art education to improve the physical, social, and spiritual aspects of family life. 

Other significant programs within Intersections, Inc. include Media Discipleship Training School (DTS), Crossroads Theatre for Youth (CTY) and Nuanua Media Communications (Nuanua). In recent years, Intersections, Inc. also expanded to a Learning Center in Tafuna.

”I am pleased to hear that Intersections, Inc. has been awarded this Federal grant funding to support teen pregnancy prevention curriculum for our youth in our local high schools," Cong. Faleomavaega stated.

“Intersections, Inc. is a perfect example of the impact a few caring members of the community can have when they are committed to the cause of helping our young people. Since 2002, through their prayers, faith, and hard work, Intersections, Inc. has served thousands of young people in American Samoa, not only by providing services but also by empowering our youth to be change agents in the community," the Congressman stated.

“I offer my sincere appreciation to Executive Director Moelili'a Seui, Program Manager Loso I'aulualo and their team for all the exceptional service they provide to our young people. I congratulate Intersections, Inc. on being awarded this significant funding to enhance their programs and expand their impact among youth and families in American Samoa," Faleomavaega concluded.

Source: Media release from Cong. Faleomavaega’s office