Amata Welcomes Further $2 Million from FEMA for LBJ

Washington, D.C. –Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is celebrating the announcement of a $1,909,802.70 grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency for the Lyndon B. Johnson Tropical Medical Center (LBJ). The grant is the last installment of a two-part federal award to LBJ, with the first grant of $1.9 million being announced in September.

The two federal grants reimburse American Samoa for its continuing improvement efforts for acute care, the pediatric ward, operating, labor, and delivery rooms that have been ongoing since April. The project included the addition of 26 beds with medical equipment such as ventilator support and other respiratory and COVID-related care.

“I am very thankful to FEMA for this second round of federal grants for LBJ’s continuing efforts to improve its care for the people of American Samoa,” said Aumua Amata. “The hardworking people at the hospital have stayed focused all year to make the most critical changes to our hospital, and this federal support goes a long way in defraying most of those costs. While repairs and improvements to LBJ are always needed, I will continue the fight to bring a new, state-of-the-art hospital to American Samoa so our people can get the quality care they deserve, and our healthcare workers are given the very best spaces and equipment to do their jobs.”

“I congratulate Governor Lemanu, Lt. Governor Talauega, LBJ CEO Moefa’auo William Emmsley, and the critical staff that did the legwork to get this grant from FEMA. I also thank FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell and her organization for all their support for the territory.”

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