suicide and mental health
Christchurch, NEW ZEALAND — Researchers are calling for more targeted public health interventions, after a study found Māori and Pacific women are disproportionately affected by suicide involving heavy alcohol use.
The study, conducted by the University of Otago in Christchurch, was the first in...
Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The American Samoa suicide and mental health “988 Helpline” was officially launched last Friday morning, where First Lady, Ella Pelefoti Mauga, who delivered special remarks, encouraged the community to, among other things, “seek out ways we can help each other and fight...

![According to the report, "females of Māori and Pacific ethnicity may be disproportionately impacted by historic and current risk factors including racism, socio-economic disadvantage, trauma, discrimination, and cultural disconnection." Dikstaal said "this may influence alcohol motivations, consumption, and suicidal behavior. [Photo: Pixabay via RNZ] wine being poured into a glass](https://www.samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/wine_in_a_glass_copy.jpg?itok=abx910Dw)
![First Lady, Ella Pelefoti Mauga (left) and Mrs. Marian McGuire Ale (right) as the pair walks towards the ribbon-cutting area at last Friday’s launching of the Suicide & Mental Health Hotline 988 at the Haleck Professional Building in Tafuna. Behind them is Health director Motusa Tuileama Nua. The program had the First Lady designated to cut the ribbon but she turned the honor over to Mrs. Ale. [photo: FS] First Lady, Ella Pelefoti Mauga (left) and Mrs. Marian McGuire Ale (right)](https://www.samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/1st_n_2nd_ladies_6042.jpg?itok=38zUI-_9)