Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is welcoming an announcement from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) that the American Samoa Department of Health (ASDoH) has been awarded a $295,000 federal grant through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to support efforts to prevent maternal mortality and improve maternal health in American Samoa.

The $295,000 award was provided through the CDC's program Preventing Maternal Mortality: Supporting Maternal Mortality. The grant will support efforts to address maternal mortality and strengthen health outcomes for mothers and families in American Samoa.

"Supporting mothers and families is essential to the health and future of American Samoa," said Congresswoman Amata. "I welcome this federal investment in our Health Department and appreciate everyone working to improve maternal health and ensure mothers have access to the care and support they need at LBJ Tropical Medical Center. Special thanks to Dr. Anaise Uso for her work and leadership.”

The CDC's Preventing Maternal Mortality program supports efforts to identify and address factors contributing to maternal deaths and strengthen systems that can improve maternal health outcomes. The funding will help support continued efforts by ASDOH led by Dr. Saipale Fuimaono to address maternal and infant health in the territory.

"Thank you to HHS and CDC for continuing to invest in strengthening health care and improving outcomes for families in American Samoa," concluded Congresswoman Amata.