Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is pleased to welcome another Pacific Basin health grant for the American Samoa Department of Health of over $3.3 million.

The discretionary health services grant for Health Centers, specifically $3,318,597, is through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and the Health Resources Services Administration (HRSA).

“Thank you for all who take part in this effort, especially Seiuli Elisapeta Ponausuia regarding this grant,” said Congresswoman Amata. “Congratulations to Governor Lemanu Mauga, Lt. Governor Talauega Ale, and Director Motusa Nua. Federal resources are important to our people, and most of all essential for health care. Thank you HHS Secretary Xavier Becarra, as well as HRSA Administrator Carole Johnson, for supporting American Samoa.”

In a second press release, the congresswoman announced notice of a federal grant for American Samoa’s children with special health care needs (CSHCN). This grant of $93,175, awarded by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), will continue to fund American Samoa’s Family Professional Partnership and CSHCN programs. These programs help families navigate the many different decisions that must be taken for their children.

“I am very happy and grateful for this grant and welcome it wholeheartedly,” said Amata. “The fact is that families and parents with children with special health care needs have unique and difficult decisions to make every day, so it is even more important for the government to help where they can. Families need this help, and I am thankful that the government is providing it.”

“I congratulate Director Motusa Tuileama Nua of ASDOH and thank Ipu Eliapo-Unutoa, whose efforts secured this grant. I also thank HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra and HRSA Administrator Carole Johnson for their continued support for the people of American Samoa.”