Amata Welcomes $2 Million Mental Health Grant

Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is welcoming official notice of $2 million in federal funding for local mental health and substance abuse behavioral services for prevention and treatment efforts. 

This is a new award, resulting from the local application efforts of Fiso Talalupelele and the American Samoa Department of Health, granted under the scope of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as directed by Congress in authorizing and appropriating health funds. 

This HHS award, specifically through the Center for Mental Health Services, is directed to the American Samoa Department of Health, and titled American Samoa Integration of Physical and Behavioral Healthcare, under the national program category of Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services — Projects of Regional and National Significance.

“Thank you, especially to Fiso Talalupelele for the initiative involved in pursuing these much-needed funds,” said Congresswoman Amata. “It is always important for our community to compassionately help those in mental health struggles or desperately trapped in substance abuse. Thank you to each of our medical or counseling professionals, who through helpful intervention, work to restore these neighbors, friends, and family members we love so they can live healthier, happier lives. Congratulations to Governor Lemanu Mauga, Lieutenant Governor Talauega Ale, and Director Motusa Nua as they lead our health systems.”

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