Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The Tafuna High School Health Occupations Students of America Chapter will host a wave in front of McDonald’s early Monday morning to raise awareness of their EXPO program.

The group is inviting organizations to participate in the HOSA EXPO that will be held at the THS Gymnasium on Monday, January 30 from 9 a.m – 12noon.

 “This EXPO aims to provide students with tools that can help them build resiliency against poor mental health.”

According to an invitation extended to Samoa News HOSA’s Health professionals will host various competitive events for its members.

 “Community Awareness allows HOSA members to educate their community about one health /safety-related issue of local, state, and/or national interest.

 “The Health /safety issue Tafuna HOSA has decided to focus on is Mental Health, specifically suicide. Suicide has been an ongoing issue on the Island and is caused by poor mental health.

 “The project is entitled “Save the TOA’s” — TOA is the Samoan word that describes someone brave, heroic and a warrior, so we thought it was quite fitting to name our project after it.”

 Project Save the TOA’s aims to educate, inform, engage, and create awareness of suicide among the people of American Samoa. We believe this project will break stigmas and barriers and possibly save in lives.”

HOSA provides a unique program of leadership development, motivation, and recognition exclusively for secondary, postsecondary, middle school, adult, and collegiate students enrolled in health science education and biomedical science programs or have interests in pursuing careers in health professions. HOSA is 100% health care!