DOH to receive $2 million for ocal mental health and substance abuse behavioral

The Department of Health is set to receive $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.

Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata has welcomed the official notice of this award, saying that “It is always important for our community to compassionately help those in mental health struggles or desperately trapped in substance abuse.

The funds will be directed to the American Samoa Department of Health Integration of Physical and Behavioral Healthcare, under the national program category of Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services — Projects of Regional and National Significance.

Uifaatali congratulates Fiso Talalupelele for the initiative involved in pursuing these much needed funds and“Congratulations to Governor Lemanu P.S. Mauga, Lt. Governor Talauega E.V. Ale, and Director Motusa Nua for all the work behind the scenes to secure the funds.