Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Aumua Amata welcomed a $235,000 federal health grant to fund the hearing program for newborn babies.

This grant is designated for the American Samoa Department of Health’s Universal Newborn Hearing Screening and Intervention efforts. The funding was a discretionary decision by the Health and Human Services (HHS) Department through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). HRSA was created by Congress to focus on health care for people who are geographically isolated, economically or otherwise medically vulnerable, and their mission includes further attention on the needs of new and expectant mothers and children.

“A special thanks to Ruth Te’o for her efforts and leadership on this program, and to all our medical professionals for their important work,” said Aumua Amata. “These federal funds go directly to the health of our islands’ newborn babies, making sure they either hear well right from the start, or get the immediate treatment they need.”

“Congratulations to Director Motusa Nua on these funds for our Territory’s health department,” continued Congresswoman Amata. “Thank you to the Trump administration, HHS Secretary Alex Azar, HRSA Administrator Thomas Engels and everyone that had a part in this process.”