Washington, D.C. — Uifa’atali Amata welcomes the announcement of a $200,000 US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) grant for the Amerika Samoa Runaway Youth Program. The grant, awarded by the Administration for Children and Families and Family and Youth Services Bureau of HHS, will help fund a youth runaway program in American Samoa.

 “This grant is great news for youth services in American Samoa,” said Aumua Amata. “This grant allows for the improvement of this crucial service for youth who, for whatever reason, felt compelled to leave their homes. They need all the support we can offer, and this grant helps our community give just that.”

 “I congratulate Toetasi Tuiteleleapaga and his staff for their efforts in securing this important funding. I also thank HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra, ACF Assistant Secretary January Contreras, and FYSB Associate Commissioner Kimberly Waller for their continued support to the territory.”

HAZARDOUS MATERIALS MANAGEMENT GRANT

An annual federal grant of $67,148 from the US Department of Transportation (DOT) to the American Samoa Government has been announced for the management of hazardous materials incidents. The grant, awarded to the American Samoa Department of Homeland Security (ASDHS), will help ASG and ASDHS develop, implement, and improve its emergency plans concerning these hazardous materials incidents.

 “This annual grant allows our government to develop and improve on plans that we all hope it will not have to implement,” said Aumua Amata. “While we cannot completely prevent these kinds of disasters, increased preparedness before can help mitigate the consequences.”

 “I congratulate ASDHS Director Samana Semo Ve’ave’a and the hardworking staff of ASDHS for their continued vigilance and efforts in securing this grant. I also thank Secretary Pete Buttigieg and the DOT for their continued support for American Samoa.”