Amata Highlights National Public Health Week
Washington, D.C. – Thursday, Congresswoman Aumua Amata is highlighting National Public Health Week, and thanking all those working to make health care and basic needs steadily available during this time of precautions.
"Thank you especially to our health care professionals," said Aumua Amata. "This is National Public Health Week, and before the pandemic, they developed daily health themes for the whole week. It's a good reminder that while our health professionals are focused on coronavirus, they also still are there for all the constant health needs of life that are so important, diabetes, heart disease, cancer and so many challenges. A medical professional concentrating on one area of health helps clear another for the coronavirus effort, and they are all important and appreciated."
So far, since Congress began passing coronavirus response legislation, grants announced by three federal agencies – HUD, CDC, and HRSA – have totaled $2.7 million for health and housing programs in American Samoa related to coronavirus response made possible by that legislation. Additionally, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints acted quickly to obtain testing equipment, and the Office of Insular Affairs announced a grant for the Pacific territories to go toward testing. The federal Medicaid contribution rose from 83 percent to 89.2 percent due to these legislative packages. We will continue to see new funding not yet arrived from the historic $2 trillion CARES Act for individuals, unemployed, small businesses, health needs and more. FEMA is involved in moving another load of HHS supplies, in addition to the supplies earlier this week.
"It's timely to say how much we much appreciate those going to work to keep food, basic products and services available, and helping unload supplies," continued Amata. "Groceries are a necessity, and good meals are part of our culture and healthy for our minds and families. We must have all the services like power and water, first responders and other jobs that just can't wait, so thank you all. Also, to people at home and being careful in your daily lives, thank you for your patience."
"During this Easter season, we are all praying for health and blessings, and thankful for God's faithful guidance to our islands," concluded Amata.
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