Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — A Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) grant for LBJ Hospital will allow the territory’s only medical facility to fund a project to increase its ability to provide acute medical care.

The federal grant of $1,903,957 is part of the federal government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to a press statement from Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata’a Washington D.C. office, LBJ’s plan to increase its medical services will cost a total of $4,025,960 and will be split into two projects. The first project covers 3 months of work from April to July and is 100% funded by the federal government. This grant covers the first project. The second project, which began in July, will be funded at a 90% level by the federal government, with the other 10% funded by the American Samoa Government. 

 “I am very thankful to FEMA for all their incredible support to our territory throughout the pandemic, and throughout our island’s history,” said Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata . “Whether it is a tropical storm, tsunami, or pandemic, we have always been able to count on FEMA to help us rebuilt and prepare for the next disaster. I am glad to continue fostering this close relationship with a key federal partner.”

Some of the benefits of this project would be improvements to the intensive care unit, pediatric ward, operation room, and the labor and delivery rooms. The project would also provide funds to increase acute care capacity by 26 hospital beds that would include medical equipment, ventilator support, and more infection control requirements.

 “I congratulate Governor Lemanu P.S. Mauga, Lt. Governor Talauega E.V. Ale, LBJ CEO Moefa’auo William Emmsley, and all the staff who worked hard to win this grant,” she concluded. “I look forward to helping our local leaders get all the support they need to provide quality health care that our people deserve.”

(Source: Uifa’atali Amata’a Washington D.C. office press release)