America Samoa Medicaid secures partnership with Straub Hospital

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The American Samoa Medicaid State Agency proudly announces a major milestone in expanding access to off-island healthcare: Straub Medical Center, part of the Hawai‘i Pacific Health (HPH) system, is now officially...

Tennessee AG Skrmetti Calls on Congress to Fully Fund Program Providing Health Care for 9/11 Responders and Survivors

Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti led a bipartisan coalition of attorneys general in sending a letter to congressional leaders on Monday urging lawmakers to immediately take steps to ensure the World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP)...

AG Rhea Joins National Plea to Congress: Fund 9/11 Health Program Now

Attorney General Gordon C. Rhea has joined a bipartisan group of 38 attorneys general urging Congress to take swift action to prevent a looming funding crisis that threatens the World Trade Center Health Program — a critical lifeline for thousands...

Alleged assault with a hammer in Ofu

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — On July 22, 2025, a woman in Ofu, Manu’a contacted the authorities in Ofu regarding an alleged assault with a hammer on her husband. The suspect was later apprehended and charged with: Count 1: Assault in the First...

Study blames pollution, unhealthy diets for regional heart disease spikes across Asia

May 8 (UPI) -- Rapidly rising rates of heart disease across Southeast Asia, East Asia and Oceania are being driven by differing, localized consequences of industrialization and rapid economic growth, according to research released Thursday. In a...

Straub Hospital now a Medicaid Provider for Am Samoa

Straub Medical Center, part of the Hawai‘i Pacific Health (HPH) system, is now officially enrolled as a Medicaid provider for American Samoa. A press release from the Medicaid Office says its agreement with Straub marks a significant step forward...

Medicaid initiating expanded coverage for American Samoa

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Two new Medicaid state planning amendments are expected to go into effect soon for American Samoa. Children’s orthodontics and dialysis coverage for Hope Dialysis have been submitted for approval after The American...

Dengue case count continues its upward trend

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Dengue fever cases in the territory have risen significantly, with the latest count at 135, an increase from 81 reported just two weeks ago, as confirmed in an update on September 12, 2025. American Samoa’s Dengue fever...

Farewell luncheon for orthopedic surgeon Dr Robert Blotter

Orthopedic surgeon Dr Robert Blotter and his wife Sister Tami Blotter were farewelled at a luncheon hosted by the LBJ Hospital Board and leaders at the DDW Restaurant Friday. A missionary physician of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day...

Young Pacific leaders talanoa on Ocean Health

John Pulu | Presenter/ Reporter/Director A youth leadership conference for young Pacific People was held in French Polynesia earlier this year. Focusing on ocean prosperity, security and sustainability, it was part of the ‘Young Pacific Leaders...

Samoa Airways files to maintain flights between Pago Pago and Ofu

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Samoa government-owned Polynesian Limited, dba Samoa Airways is petitioning the US Department of Transport (DOT) to allow it to continue all services between Pago Pago and the Manu’a Islands, when the current authority...

Pago Pago International welcomes foreign aircraft

There’s excitement at Pago Pago International Airport with the landing of foreign aircraft taking leaders to the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Samoa. Wednesday morning an Airbus A340 which took the King of the African nation of...

UH American Samoa Cohort STEM program graduates 53

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The University of Hawai‘i (UH) American Samoa Center celebrated the graduation ceremony for the Pacific-Focused Master’s Degree (PACMED) Cohort AS5 and Cohort 36 Bachelor’s of Education Programs, last Thursday, December...

Pacific health expert says Auckland measles case is a 'red flag'

Nurse Laura Williams gives a Māngere College student a measles vaccination. Photo: RNZ / Rowan Quinn A Pacific health expert is encouraging everyone to get vaccinated to keep their families and other Pacific nations safe. Aotearoa is on alert for...

Samoa Airways asks to keep flying between Pago Pago and Ofu

Polynesian Limited, trading as Samoa Airways (OL, Apia Faleolo), has asked the US Department of Transport (DOT) to renew its exemption from the provisions of 49 USC 40109(g) and 41703(c) that will allow it to continue transporting persons,...

Gov. Green of Hawaii to advance alliance with LBJ Hospital

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Governor Josh Green of Hawaii visited American Samoa during the 125th Flag Day celebrations, marking a significant moment in the Territory's history. Governor Green, a physician by training, was joined by the Governor...

USDA invests $35.5M in American Samoa solar projects to deliver affordable clean energy

HILO, Hawaii (U.S. Department of Agriculture) — USDA Rural Development State Director Chris Kanazawa has announced $35.5 million in total investments to Banana Solar LLC, and Mana Solar, LLC, both located in American Samoa. The projects will help...

New Study Traces Sharp Regional Shifts in Ischemic Heart Disease Burden -- A Global Warning Signal

A new study puts the spotlight on the rising burden of ischemic heart disease across Southeast Asia, East Asia and Oceania, and calls for localized, equity-focused interventions in these regions. The researchers identified region-specific,...

Study reveals regional risk factors driving heart disease in Asia and Oceania

A new study puts the spotlight on the rising burden of ischemic heart disease across Southeast Asia, East Asia and Oceania, and calls for localized, equity-focused interventions in these regions. The researchers identified region-specific,...

$2.1 Million in Broadband Funding on the way for American Samoa

Washington, D.C. — The Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), yesterday announced $2.1 million for American Samoa’s broadband and digital accessibility as part of over $60 million nationally for...