Washington, D.C. — A federal funding notice of $295,000 was released last week from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for Preventing Maternal Mortality in American Samoa.

“Thank you especially to Anaise Uso for her dedicated work on this grant to enhance our capacity to improve maternal health outcomes and ensure safer pregnancies for the women of American Samoa,” said Congresswoman Uifa’atali Aumua Amata. “This funding will empower the American Samoa Department of Health to implement targeted interventions, improve access to quality healthcare, and enhance community outreach efforts.”

This is a new discretionary grant to the American Samoa Department of Health for the needs of populations disproportionately affected by maternal mortality in American Samoa. The program has played a vital role in fostering the increasing adoption of clinical and non-clinical policies and programs that reflect the highest standards of care.

The grant is through the CDC’s National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (NCCDPHP). The goal of the grant program is to provide comprehensive support aimed at reducing maternal mortality rates by addressing both medical and social determinants of health.

RUNWAY LIGHTING

A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) grant for the airport at Fitiuta, Ta'u is designated for a runway lighting project. This grant of $755,000 is in support of airport infrastructure projects in the Airport Improvement Program (AIP). 

“Congratulations to Port Director Falenaoti Loi-on Fruean, and everyone at American Samoa Port Authority for their efforts to provide safe and reliable airports,” said Congresswoman Amata. “The new lighting will serve our people well, ensuring safe travels throughout our islands.”

The focus of the grant is on the improvement or expansion of existing infrastructure to ensure the modernization of the country’s aviation industry. 

“Thank you also to Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and FAA Administrator Michael Whitaker for their continued recognition of our ongoing need for dependable air service in American Samoa with this use of yearly congressional appropriations for FAA,” Amata concluded.