Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Governor Pulaali’i Nikolao Pula has announced the launch of the new Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) website, www.hcbs.as.gov, a central hub where older adults, individuals with disabilities, families, and providers can learn about services that help people receive care at home and in their communities instead of institutions.

As the HCBS Commission continues to build its foundation, the website will evolve to show the progress being made toward developing a Territory-wide HCBS system and Olmstead Plan.

At this stage, the Commission is focused on understanding the needs of families, individuals, caregivers, and partner agencies so that well-informed policy recommendations and actions can be made.

In the coming weeks, a central HCBS hotline will be made available to help the public connect with HCBS staff, ask questions, and receive assistance with navigating available options. The website will also provide public information about the Commission, including meetings, notices, agendas, reports, and updates, so the community can stay informed and hold the Commission accountable for the work being done for the Territory.

“HCBS is about keeping our people in their homes, villages, and churches, not in distant institutions,” said Governor Pulaali’i. “By launching www.hcbs.as.gov, we are giving families a simple place to go for answers, resources, and updates, while staying true to our Fa’asamoa and our responsibility to care for elders and people living with disabilities at home.”

American Samoa’s HCBS efforts are supported by the federal Money Follows the Person (MFP) initiative, which helps territories expand Medicaid-funded services that allow individuals to transition from institutional settings into community-based care.

The HCBS Commission, established by Executive Order No. 009-25 within the Office of the Governor, coordinates policy, financing strategies, and data efforts to build a durable HCBS system for the Territory.

“The new website is our front door for the public,” said HCBS Commissioner Abigail Poyer. “Residents, caregivers, and providers can go to www.hcbs.as.gov to understand what HCBS is, see what the Commission is working on, and stay informed as we roll out new services and initiatives.”

For more information, visit www.hcbs.as.gov or contact the Office of the Governor at hcbs@go.as.gov.