Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — With 75% of the more than 4,600 ASG employees turning out for the government-wide Suicide Prevention Awareness Training program held last week, Lt Gov. Talauega E. V. Ale said the initiative would have a “ripple effect in their families, their communities, and our territory.”

In a press release issued by the Governor’s Office the Lemanu-Talauega Administration announced the completion of the awareness training held last week — September 18- 22, 2023 and called it “an incredible turnout”, with approximately seventy five percent (75%) of the Executive workforce taking part.

The week-long training program consisted of four sessions per day, each lasting 45 minutes, and was led by the Department of Health.

"This training serves as a crucial reminder of the collective responsibility we all hold in preventing suicides and preserving lives. One life lost to suicide is one too many.” Governor Lemanu P. S. Mauga, said in his opening remarks.

“Thus, it is important that the leaders of American Samoa take a proactive role in the prevention of suicide to reduce stigma and care for those in crisis.”

The training included suicide statistics in the region, recognizing risk factors and warning signs, and was meant to equip them with valuable resources needed to take action and provide guidance.

"Through education and increased awareness among the 4,600+ employees, this initiative will have a ripple effect in their families, their communities, and our territory, Lt Governor Talauega E. V. Ale said and commended the Department of Health and the Department of Human Resources for their collaborative efforts.

ASG Employees in Manu’a will receive the same training in the near future as the Administration remains dedicated to fostering mental health awareness and providing essential support to the people of American Samoa, the press release emphasized.