AGP Executive Report

Mental Health Policy Push: Gov. Josh Green took over as chair of the Western Governors’ Association and will spotlight “Health Beyond Healthcare,” aiming to improve mental health outcomes by expanding access to care; he’ll host the group’s winter meeting on Oahu in December, with governors from U.S. states plus Guam, American Samoa, CNMI, and Japan. Rheumatic Heart Disease Medication Gap: In American Samoa, children with rheumatic heart disease are missing daily oral penicillin doses after a switch from longer-acting injections due to a shortage; doctors warn of relapses, severe joint pain, and possible lifelong heart damage. Cancer & Disease Prevention Funding: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata says the Department of Health is set to receive over $1.33 million in CDC grants for cancer prevention and control, plus vaccine and preventable disease programs. Community Health Support: Rotary Club of Pago Pago delivered 15 modern hospital beds to Hope House, boosting care for elderly and disabled residents. Food Security Relief: The American Samoa Community Food Bank thanked M/V Ocean Guardian and Stabbert Marine for donating unopened frozen food, including support during recent fires. Fitness & Wellness Events: SPW Fitness reported a successful 3rd Annual American Samoa Marathon & Half Marathon under its MASHA campaign to fight noncommunicable diseases through active lifestyles. Tuna Treaty Link to Local Health Economy: American Samoa joined U.S. talks on the South Pacific Tuna Treaty, stressing that keeping the U.S.-flag purse seine fleet viable supports the territory’s cannery, port, workforce, and local businesses.

Rheumatic Heart Disease Alert: Children with rheumatic heart disease in American Samoa are missing daily oral penicillin doses, with doctors warning relapses after gaps of more than three months and possible lifelong heart damage. Community Health Support: Rotary Club of Pago Pago delivered 15 modern hospital beds to Hope House, boosting care for 27 residents. Cancer & Vaccine Funding: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata says the Department of Health received over $1.33 million in CDC grants for cancer prevention and strengthen vaccine and preventable disease programs. Mental Health Policy Link: Gov. Josh Green, chair of the Western Governors’ Association, launched a “Health Beyond Healthcare” push focused on mental health access, with a December meeting planned in Oahu that includes American Samoa representatives. Food Security Help: The American Samoa Community Food Bank thanked the M/V Ocean Guardian and Stabbert Marine for donated frozen food that reached vulnerable groups and fire-displaced families. Fitness & Healthy Aging: SPW Fitness’ 3rd Annual American Samoa Marathon & Half Marathon drew strong local and overseas participation as part of the MASHA healthy-living campaign. Tuna Treaty & Local Jobs: American Samoa joined U.S. talks on the U.S.-Pacific Island tuna treaty, stressing the fleet’s health is tied to the territory’s cannery, port, workforce, and economy.

Hospital Care Support: Rotary Club of Pago Pago delivered 15 modern hospital beds to Hope House, boosting care for 27 residents at the Catholic Diocese facility that has served the infirm, disabled, and elderly since 1987. Mental Health & Policy: Gov. Josh Green, now chair of the Western Governors’ Association, is pushing a yearlong “Health Beyond Health Care” focus, with a December Oahu meeting tied to Pearl Harbor commemorations that includes U.S. territories including American Samoa. Cancer & Disease Prevention Funding: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata announced American Samoa Department of Health grants totaling over $1.33 million from HHS/CDC—$580,847 for cancer prevention and $749,804 to strengthen vaccine and preventable disease programs. Community Nutrition Relief: The American Samoa Community Food Bank thanked the M/V Ocean Guardian and Stabbert Marine & Industrial for donating unopened frozen food, which helped vulnerable groups and families displaced by recent fires. Fitness & Healthy Aging: SPW Fitness reported a successful 3rd Annual American Samoa Marathon & Half Marathon under the MASHA campaign, drawing local and overseas participants. Drinking Water Safety: EPA announced more than $25 million in grants to improve drinking water infrastructure in small and rural communities, including efforts to address PFAS and lead.

Health Grants & Substance Abuse Treatment: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata says American Samoa will receive DOJ funding for the Criminal Justice Planning Agency’s residential substance abuse treatment, linking counseling and screening with the Department of Health to help reduce drug use, crime, and repeat offenses. Drinking Water Safety: The EPA announced over $25 million in grants for small and rural communities to upgrade drinking water systems and tackle PFAS and lead risks—funding that states and territories, including U.S. territories, can administer. Tuna Industry & Food Security: American Samoa joined the U.S.-Pacific tuna treaty consultation in Wellington, stressing that a healthy U.S.-flag purse seine fleet supports the territory’s cannery, port services, jobs, and local businesses. Community Food Relief: The American Samoa Community Food Bank thanked the M/V Ocean Guardian and Stabbert Marine & Industrial for a donation of unopened frozen food that reached vulnerable residents and families displaced by recent fires. Fitness & Healthy Aging: SPW Fitness reported a strong turnout for the 3rd Annual American Samoa Marathon & Half Marathon under the “Making American Samoa Healthy Again” campaign. Everyday Mobility & Health: A new health explainer highlights how sitting and standing can reflect strength, balance, and brain-to-body communication—useful for spotting early mobility concerns. Local Wellness Leadership: Gov. Josh Green, now chair of the Western Governors’ Association, announced a year-long focus on “Health Beyond Health Care,” with a Pacific-facing agenda that includes American Samoa participation.

Health Beyond Health Care: Gov. Josh Green, now chair of the Western Governors’ Association, is set to host a Hawaii meeting and push a year-long focus on “Health Beyond Health Care,” with American Samoa among the territories expected to participate. Fitness & Prevention: SPW Fitness wrapped up its 3rd Annual American Samoa Marathon & Half Marathon in Utulei, tied to the MASHA campaign aimed at building healthier habits and reducing non-communicable disease risk. Youth Health Careers: Students from American Samoa took part in the HOSA International Leadership Conference in Indianapolis, competing among thousands of future health professionals. Tuna & Food Security: American Samoa joined the U.S.-Pacific tuna treaty consultation in Wellington, stressing that a healthy U.S.-flag purse seine fleet supports the local cannery, port, jobs, and businesses. Drinking Water Safety: The EPA announced over $25 million in grants for small and rural communities to improve drinking water systems and address PFAS and lead. Local Health Funding: Uifa’atali Amata highlighted two HHS grants for American Samoa—$33,200 for HIV services at LBJ Tropical Medical Center and $86,554 for EMS for Children at LBJ. Everyday Mobility Tip: A health feature notes that how people sit and stand can reflect physical function and overall wellbeing. Community Care: The Lions Club and neighbors continue stepping in to support families after disasters, including a recent home-loss case.

Healthy Aging & Movement: A new health explainer says how you sit and stand can signal physical function and even brain health, with trouble rising possibly pointing to strength, mobility, balance, or nervous system issues. Fitness & Community: SPW Fitness’ 3rd Annual American Samoa Marathon & Half Marathon in Utulei drew strong local and overseas participation, tied to the MASHA push to fight non-communicable diseases. Youth Health Careers: Winner High School HOSA students attended the International Leadership Conference in Indianapolis, competing across health-focused categories. Tuna & Food Security: American Samoa joined a U.S.-Pacific tuna treaty consultation in Wellington, stressing that a healthy U.S.-flag purse seine fleet supports the territory’s cannery, port, jobs, and local businesses. HIV & Kids’ Emergency Care Funding: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata announced two HHS grants for LBJ Tropical Medical Center—$33,200 for HIV services and $86,554 for an Emergency Medical Services for Children program. Wellness Through Sports: Measina Volleyball Club’s Jr Prep 16U team earned a Silver Medal at an AAU tournament in Hawaii after strong pool and bracket play. Public Health Infrastructure (US): EPA announced over $25 million in grants to improve drinking water in small and rural communities, including PFAS and lead-related upgrades. Local Safety & Access: A court case describes an ASNAP benefits dispute where a man was arrested after an alleged disturbance tied to being told to return with required ID.

Fitness & Prevention: SPW Fitness’ 3rd Annual American Samoa Marathon & Half Marathon in Utulei drew strong local and overseas participation, aligning with the MASHA push to fight non-communicable diseases through active living. Public Health & Aging: A new look at “how you sit and stand” highlights a simple movement test that can signal strength, balance, and brain-health concerns—useful for everyday wellness planning. Local Health Funding: U.S. HHS grants announced for American Samoa include $33,200 to the Department of Health for HIV services at LBJ Tropical Medical Center and $86,554 for LBJ’s Emergency Medical Services for Children program. Nutrition & Water Safety: EPA is rolling out over $25 million in grants to improve drinking water infrastructure in small and rural communities, targeting PFAS and lead-related risks. Community Support: Lions Club relief efforts brought clothing, food, and money to a family left homeless by a late-May fire in Pava’ia’i. Sports & Youth: Measina Volleyball Club’s Jr Prep 16U team earned a Silver Medal in Hawaii after strong pool play and a hard-fought championship. Health Policy & Access: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata highlighted Farm Bill and USDA grant discussions tied to food security and nutrition support for American Samoa. Safety & Enforcement: Police charged an ASNAP office disturbance suspect after an alleged benefits-related ID dispute escalated into loud behavior; another man was charged after an alleged assault with a metal utility bar. Regional Health Economy: American Samoa joined U.S.-Pacific tuna treaty talks in Wellington, stressing that a healthy U.S.-flag purse seine fleet supports the territory’s cannery, port, jobs, and local businesses.

Drinking Water Funding: The U.S. EPA announced over $25 million in grants to help small and rural communities upgrade drinking water systems, tackle PFAS, and remove lead sources—funding that can reach states and territories, including American Samoa. Tuna & Local Jobs: American Samoa joined a U.S.-Pacific tuna treaty consultation in Wellington, stressing that keeping the U.S.-flag purse seine fleet healthy protects the cannery, port services, workforce, and local businesses. HIV & Kids’ Emergency Care Grants: Rep. Aumua Amata highlighted two HHS awards for American Samoa—$33,200 for HIV services at LBJ Tropical Medical Center and $86,554 for the Emergency Medical Services for Children program at LBJ. Health Check From Daily Movement: A new health explainer says how you sit, stand, and rise from a chair can reflect nervous system and mobility health, offering a simple self-check for function and balance. Local Health-Adjacent Community Support: Tafuna High School received help toward fixing campus road access after a Department of Health visit flagged the area, with temporary leveling discussed while funding for a permanent repair is pending. Safety & Risk Debate: A community coalition urged Gov. Pulaali’i Nikolau Pula to conduct a comprehensive territorial review of deep-sea mining, focusing on marine ecosystem and fisheries impacts before major decisions move forward.

Drinking Water Funding: The U.S. EPA announced over $25 million in grants to help small and rural communities upgrade drinking water systems, tackle PFAS, and remove lead sources—funding routed through the SmaRT Drinking Water Assistance Program. Tuna & Local Jobs: American Samoa joined U.S.-Pacific Island Parties Tuna Treaty talks in Wellington, stressing that keeping the U.S.-flag purse seine fleet healthy protects the territory’s cannery, port services, workforce, and local businesses. HIV & Kids’ EMS Grants: Rep. Aumua Amata highlighted two HHS awards for American Samoa—$33,200 for HIV services at LBJ Tropical Medical Center and $86,554 for Emergency Medical Services for Children at LBJ. Health & Mobility Tip: A new health piece says how you sit and stand can reflect physical function and even nervous system health, offering a simple daily check-in for mobility and balance. Local Health Infrastructure: Port Administration American Samoa received DOI Office of Insular Affairs funding to repair and renovate the ‘Au’asi Small Boat Harbor Terminal restrooms, closed since 2022 for health and safety violations. Community Support After Fire: After a June 18 fire in Fagaima left 17 people homeless, local leaders coordinated with DSAR and are seeking temporary housing options and urgent support. Commuter Air Service Update: Pacific Air Charters says it expects to start commuter operations in American Samoa later in 2026, pending FAA approvals and timing around Samoa Airways’ cabotage waiver.

HHS Health Grants: Uifa’atali Amata announced two new federal awards for American Samoa—$33,200 for HIV services at LBJ Tropical Medical Center and $86,554 for the Emergency Medical Services for Children (EMSC) program, both supporting one-year projects. Tuna & Local Jobs: American Samoa joined the U.S.-Pacific Island Parties Tuna Treaty consultation in Wellington, stressing that keeping the U.S.-flag purse seine fleet viable directly supports LBJ, the cannery, port services, jobs, and local businesses. Everyday Mobility & Health: A Pago Pago feature highlights how sitting and standing can signal physical function and nervous system health—especially when rising becomes harder. Community Health & Safety: Port Administration American Samoa says ‘Au’asi Small Boat Harbor Terminal restrooms will be repaired and renovated after a DOI OIA CIP grant; the restrooms have been closed since 2022 for health and safety violations. Sports & Youth Wellness: Measina Volleyball Club’s Jr Prep Sports Amerika Samoa 16U team won Silver at a Hawaii AAU tournament after strong pool play and a hard-fought championship match. Public Safety Incident: A Vaitogi man was charged after an alleged assault with a metal utility bar left another man with serious facial injuries requiring hospitalization. Disaster Response: After a Fagaima fire left 17 people homeless, DSAR and village leaders are coordinating temporary housing and urgent support for affected families.

Drinking Water Funding: The U.S. EPA announced over $25 million in grants to help small and rural communities upgrade drinking water systems, tackle PFAS, and remove lead sources—aimed at safer water for more Americans. Local Health Grants: Uifa’atali Amata says American Samoa will receive two HHS grants: $33,200 for HIV services at LBJ Tropical Medical Center and $86,554 for the Emergency Medical Services for Children (EMSC) program at LBJ. Tuna Treaty Link to Jobs: American Samoa joined the U.S.-Pacific Island Parties Tuna Treaty consultation in Wellington, stressing that keeping the U.S.-flag purse seine fleet viable directly supports the territory’s cannery, port services, workforce, and local businesses. Mobility & Health: A local health feature highlights how sitting and standing can signal physical function and even neurological health—useful for spotting when balance or mobility may be slipping. Community Health & Safety: Port Administration American Samoa received DOI OIA funding to repair the ‘Au’asi Small Boat Harbor Terminal restrooms, closed since 2022 for health and safety violations. Public Health Watch: SPREP urged Pacific communities to prepare for El Niño impacts after it was declared underway, emphasizing early action to protect families. Sports & Wellness: Measina Volleyball Club’s 16U team won Silver at an AAU tournament in Hawaii, representing American Samoa with clinics, scrimmages, and strong pool play.

Drinking Water Funding: The U.S. EPA announced over $25 million in grants to help small and rural communities upgrade drinking water systems, tackle PFAS, and remove lead sources. Tuna & Local Jobs: American Samoa joined the U.S.-Pacific tuna treaty consultation in Wellington, stressing the U.S.-flag purse seine fleet and American Samoa’s tuna industry are tightly linked—supporting the cannery, port services, workforce, and local businesses. HIV & Kids’ Emergency Care Grants: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata highlighted two HHS awards for American Samoa—$33,200 for HIV services at LBJ Tropical Medical Center and $86,554 for Emergency Medical Services for Children at LBJ. Mobility & Health: A local health feature says how you sit and stand can reflect nervous system and overall functional health, with trouble rising possibly signaling underlying issues. Port Restroom Repairs: PAAS received DOI OIA CIP funding to repair and renovate the ‘Au’asi Small Boat Harbor terminal restrooms, closed since 2022 over health and safety violations. Community Relief After Fire: A Fagaima fire left 17 people homeless; families are staying with relatives while village leaders coordinate temporary housing and urgent support. El Niño Prep: SPREP urged Pacific communities, including American Samoa, to prepare early for El Niño impacts after it was declared underway.

Drinking Water Funding: The U.S. EPA announced over $25 million in grants to help small and rural communities upgrade drinking water systems, tackle PFAS, and remove lead sources. Tuna Treaty Talks: American Samoa joined the U.S.-Pacific Island Parties Tuna Treaty consultation in Wellington, stressing that a healthy U.S.-flag purse seine fleet supports the territory’s cannery, port, jobs, and local businesses. Local Health Grants: Rep. Uifa’atali Amata highlighted two HHS awards for American Samoa—$33,200 for HIV services at LBJ Tropical Medical Center and $86,554 for the Emergency Medical Services for Children program at LBJ. Mobility & Health: A local health feature notes that how people sit and stand can reflect physical function and nervous system health, with trouble rising potentially signaling mobility or balance concerns. Community & Safety Updates: Port Admin American Samoa received DOI funding to repair the ‘Au’asi Small Boat Harbor Terminal restrooms, closed since 2022 for health and safety violations. Sports & Youth: Measina Volleyball Club’s 16U team won Silver at a Hawaii AAU tournament, representing American Samoa with strong pool play and a hard-fought championship match. Climate Prep: SPREP urged Pacific communities to prepare for El Niño impacts after it was declared underway.

Drinking Water Funding: The U.S. EPA announced over $25 million in grants (SmaRT Drinking Water Assistance Program) to help small and rural systems upgrade infrastructure, tackle PFAS, remove lead sources, and address local water problems—an issue that hits island communities hard when water safety is uneven. Tuna Treaty Talks: American Samoa joined the U.S.-Pacific Island Parties Tuna Treaty consultation in Wellington, stressing that keeping the U.S.-flag purse seine fleet viable directly supports American Samoa’s cannery, port services, jobs, and local businesses. HIV & Kids’ Emergency Care Grants: Uifa’atali Amata highlighted two HHS awards for LBJ Tropical Medical Center—$33,200 for HIV services and $86,554 for the Emergency Medical Services for Children (EMSC) program. Mobility & Health: A local health piece explains how sitting and standing can signal physical function and nervous system health, with difficulty rising or standing flagged as a reason to get checked. Community Health After Fire: After a Fagaima fire left 17 people homeless, local leaders and partners are coordinating temporary housing and urgent support for families. El Niño Prep: SPREP urged Pacific communities to prepare early for El Niño impacts, emphasizing staying informed and taking practical steps to reduce risk.

Health & Mobility: Researchers say simple daily movements—especially how you sit, stand, and rise from a chair—can reflect nervous system health, strength, mobility, and balance, offering clues to long-term wellbeing. HIV & Kids’ Emergency Care Funding: Uifa’atali Amata announced two HHS Health grants for American Samoa: $33,200 for HIV services at LBJ Tropical Medical Center and $86,554 for Emergency Medical Services for Children (EMSC) at LBJ, supporting one-year programs. Veterans’ Lab Expansion: The Faleomavaega Eni Fa’aua’a Hunkin VA Clinic held an opening and blessing for a nearly $2 million expanded laboratory facility, aiming for faster testing and better local care for veterans. Port Health & Access: Port Administration American Samoa received a DOI OIA CIP grant to repair and renovate the ‘Au’asi Small Boat Harbor Terminal restrooms, closed since 2022 for health and safety violations; work is in permitting/design with bidding expected by August 2026. Disaster Response: A June 18 fire in Fagaima left 17 people homeless across four families; TEMCO and the Red Cross assessed impacts while village leaders coordinate temporary housing and urgent support. Mosquito-Borne Disease Watch: Hawaii reported a dengue case tied to a visitor on Oʻahu, with low risk of local spread; officials urged residents to remove standing water to reduce mosquito breeding. Community Sports & Wellness: Samoa’s Pacific Strongest 2026 kicks off this weekend in Apia as a free, family-friendly event celebrating strength, culture, and healthy activity.

Health Access for Veterans: The Faleomavaega Eni Fa’aua’a Hunkin VA Clinic officially opened and blessed its newly expanded laboratory facility, a nearly $2 million upgrade expected to speed up testing, strengthen clinical decisions, and make care easier for veterans across American Samoa. Local Health Funding: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata announced two HHS health grants for American Samoa—$33,200 for HIV services at LBJ Tropical Medical Center and $86,554 for the Emergency Medical Services for Children (EMSC) program at LBJ. Everyday Movement & Health: A new health explainer says how you sit and stand can reflect physical function and even brain health, warning that trouble rising may signal nervous system or mobility issues. Port Health & Community Impact: Port Administration American Samoa received DOI OIA funding to repair and renovate the ‘Au’asi Small Boat Harbor Terminal restrooms, closed since 2022 due to health and safety violations. Disaster Response: After a June 18 fire in Fagaima left 17 people homeless, village leaders and partners are coordinating temporary housing and urgent support. Mosquito-Borne Disease Reminder: A dengue update from Hawai‘i urges residents to remove standing water to reduce mosquito breeding and lower the risk of local spread.