December 11, 2025 — The American Samoa Community College Area Health Education Center (ASCC-AHEC) has successfully completed the territory’s first-ever Stop the Bleed certification trainings — it was held from November 5– 10, 2025. A total of 489 high school students across the island received lifesaving training through this national preparedness program.

Stop the Bleed is a national initiative that equips community members with the knowledge and skills to respond quickly and effectively to severe bleeding emergencies. Through hands-on instruction, participants learn how to apply pressure, pack wounds, and use tourniquets; simple but critical actions that can save a life before professional help arrives.

The training was led by Ms. Erica Davis, Associate Director of the Hawai‘i/ Pacific Basin AHEC, who traveled to American Samoa to deliver this inaugural series of courses. Her expertise and commitment helped ensure a high-quality and engaging learning experience for students across the island.

ASCC-AHEC also recognizes and commends its new Program Coordinator, Mrs. Iutita Snow-Tuitasi, who coordinated all training logistics, school partnerships, and program delivery for this milestone initiative.

Over the course of the week, ASCC-AHEC certified students from four high schools:

• Fa’asao Marist High School: 168 students
• Kanana Fou High School: 110 students
• Manumalo Baptist School: 110 students
• Tafuna High School: 73 students

In addition, 28 students from various schools earned their certification during ASCC-AHEC’s Teen Health Camp, bringing the total number of newly certified youth to 489.

ASCC-AHEC extends its appreciation to Ms. Davis, the participating schools, and all students who took part in this historic initiative. This effort marks an important step in strengthening emergency preparedness and empowering youth with practical, lifesaving skills.

For more information about upcoming AHEC trainings and youth health programs, please contact ASCC-AHEC at (684) 699-2727 or ahec@amsamoa.edu