Ads by Google Ads by Google

HHS grants $200,000 for home health visits in Am. Samoa

Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata
Travel and tourism grant also on its way
Source: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata's Office- Washington D.C

Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is welcoming $200,000 in federal health services funds for the American Samoa Department of Health for home visiting efforts. These funds are from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, a $1.9 trillion economic stimulus signed into law on March 11, 2021.

This is a new discretionary grant through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and its Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). Funds are designated for the home visits program by the American Samoa Department of Health. HHS is led by Secretary Xavier Becerra, and HRSA by Acting Administrator Diana Espinosa.

“Thank you especially to Margaret Sesepasara for her work on this grant, and this home visiting program that it funds,” Amata said. “Congratulations to Director Motusa Nua, and thank you to HHS and everyone who has a part.”

$1.4 MILLION EDA GRANT

Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is also welcoming a federal funding announcement Wednesday from the Economic Development Administration (EDA) of a travel and tourism grant of $1,395,492 for American Samoa.

This grant, based on the American Rescue Plan Act passed by Congress in March, is part of a pool of $10 million created by EDA then assessed by population among the territories. That amount in turn is part of $196 million announced Wednesday for 24 locations nationwide by U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo.

“Thank you to EDA and Secretary Raimondo for this grant, and ensuring the smaller territories were considered,” Congresswoman Amata said. “Congratulations to American Samoa Government and our business community upon this federal funding focused on building up these important aspects of our local economy for the future. Thank you especially to those who will work on this plan and project in cooperation with the EDA under the leadership of Governor Lemanu P.S. Mauga and Lieutenant Governor Talauega E.V. Ale.”

These travel, tourism and outdoor recreation grants are focused on accelerating the recovery of communities that rely on these sectors, and have faced pandemic challenges. The grants help localities invest in marketing, infrastructure, workforce or other needs to support recovery and resilience of these industries.

In her national announcement, Secretary Raimondo said, “The State Tourism grants give states and territories the flexible opportunity to boost their local tourism industry and ensure that jobs are restored and tourists return safely.”