Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata announced on May 15 that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has awarded a discretionary grant of $306,604 to the American Samoa Medical Center Authority. The funding is designated for family planning services at the LBJ Tropical Medical Center under the American Samoa Department of Health.
The grant covers one year as part of a five-year project aimed at supporting health programs in American Samoa. The funding comes through the federal Office of Family Planning, which operates within the HHS Office of Public Health and Science.
Congresswoman Amata said, “Thank you especially to Bethel Mussau-Howard regarding this grant and effort, and all involved. We’re grateful always to the health professionals at the LBJ Tropical Medical Center and our Health Department for medical care for our people.” She continued, “Thank you to HHS for supporting our hospital programs, and congratulations to ASG for their roles ensuring federal funds are obtained.”
The Department of Health and Human Services is led by Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., according to information released by Congresswoman Amata.
This funding highlights ongoing efforts by local officials and federal agencies to support healthcare access in American Samoa. The new resources are expected to help sustain important medical services provided by LBJ Tropical Medical Center over the next year.
