Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata announced on May 14 that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has awarded nearly $1.3 million to the American Samoa Department of Health to reimburse costs related to COVID-19 response efforts.
The funding, totaling $1,290,403.07, will help cover emergency protective measures taken throughout American Samoa during the public health emergency. These measures included vaccination operations, testing support, outreach efforts, communications, and expanding vaccine access in villages across the territory.
“I appreciate FEMA continuing to support American Samoa’s public health response and reimbursing the significant work carried out by our Department of Health during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Congresswoman Amata. “Our healthcare professionals, frontline workers, and support personnel worked tirelessly to protect our people during an unprecedented public health emergency. This funding helps recognize and support those efforts, especially the outreach to villages and families throughout the Territory.”
FEMA stated that eligible reimbursement includes costs for overtime labor, materials, rented equipment, and contracted services necessary during the pandemic response. The project was approved under FEMA’s Public Assistance program at a 100 percent federal cost share.
The award is intended to provide financial relief for expenses incurred by local health officials as they responded to challenges posed by COVID-19.
