AGP Executive Report

Maternal Health Boost: A JABSOM researcher is partnering with LBJ Tropical Medical Center using a U.S. Department of the Interior grant to strengthen maternal-fetal care in American Samoa through sonography training, telehealth, and better specialist access. Food Security Update: DHSS has launched the American Samoa Nutrition Assistance Program (ASNAP) EBT system, modernizing benefits delivery, and announced Summer EBT (SUN Bucks) for school children starting this week, with the summer benefit raised to $180 per student. Special Health Needs Funding: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata highlighted a $96,750 HRSA grant to improve communication and coordination for families of children and youth with special health care needs. Health Center Support: Another federal award—$3.25 million—will continue health center services through HRSA, supporting primary and preventive care. Senior Care Focus: Territorial Administration on Aging marked Senior Citizens Day, with leaders urging continued attention to elders’ health and well-being. Community Safety & Violence: Police reports include arrests tied to alleged domestic assaults involving infants and other family incidents, underscoring ongoing community safety concerns. Deep-Sea Mining Watch: Local leaders continue pushing for a moratorium near American Samoa, citing unresolved science and potential harm to fish stocks and ocean health.

Maternal Health Boost: JABSOM researcher Claire Kendal-Wright is partnering with LBJ Tropical Medical Center to strengthen maternal-fetal care in American Samoa using a U.S. Department of the Interior grant, including sonography training, telehealth, and better access to specialists for high-risk pregnancies. Food Assistance Upgrade: DHSS has launched the American Samoa Nutrition Assistance Program (ASNAP) Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) system, modernizing support for families facing food insecurity. Summer Nutrition Support: Summer EBT (SUN Bucks) is set to roll out for eligible public school students, with benefits increased to $180 per student for June–August. Special Health Needs Funding: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata highlighted a $96,750 HRSA grant to improve coordination and communication for children and youth with special health care needs. Health Center Continuation Grant: Another HRSA Health Center Program award of $3.25M will keep front-line primary and preventive services running across the territory. Senior Well-Being: The Territorial Administration on Aging marked Senior Citizens Day, with leaders urging continued focus on health and support for elders. Deep-Sea Mining Watch: Amata renewed her call for a moratorium near American Samoa, citing unresolved science and risks to fish stocks and food security. Safety & Care Access: FEMA’s National Emergency Management Basic Academy is being hosted in American Samoa to strengthen preparedness and resilience. Local Violence Cases: Police reported domestic assault arrests, including alleged assaults involving victims holding infants and other incidents tied to domestic disputes.

Maternal Health Boost: JABSOM and LBJ Tropical Medical Center are partnering to strengthen maternal-fetal care in American Samoa with sonography training, telehealth, and better specialist access—aimed at high-risk pregnancies amid local resource limits. Food Support for Families: DHSS says Summer EBT (SUN Bucks) starts this week for public school students, raising benefits to $180 per student for June–August, with paper coupons for the final time. More Federal Health Funding: Congresswoman Amata highlights a $96,750 HRSA grant to improve coordination for children and youth with special health care needs, plus a separate $3.25M Health Center Program award to keep primary and preventive services running. Senior Well-Being: Territorial Administration on Aging marks Senior Citizens Day, with leaders urging continued focus on health and support for elders. Emergency Preparedness: FEMA’s National Emergency Management Basic Academy is being hosted in the territory to build preparedness and resilience. Community Safety: Police report arrests tied to domestic violence and workplace-related assault allegations. Deep-Sea Mining Debate: Amata renews her call for a moratorium, citing unresolved science and potential harm to fish stocks and ocean ecosystems. Climate Watch: An El Niño Watch signals likely El Niño conditions soon, with possible impacts on rainfall, heat, and storm risk.

Food Support: DHSS says Summer-EBT (SUN Bucks) starts this week for public school students, with benefits rising to $180 per student for June–August (paper coupons for the final time, picked up at the ASNAP Office in Utulei). Health Funding: Congresswoman Amata highlights two HRSA-backed awards for American Samoa—$96,750 to strengthen care coordination for children and youth with special health care needs, and a larger $3.25M grant to keep community health center services running. Local Healthcare Governance: Dr. Patrick Pedro resigns from the American Samoa Medical Center Authority Board, citing a focus on his surgical work. Senior Health & Well-Being: Territorial Administration on Aging marks Senior Citizens Day, with leaders urging continued attention to elders’ health and support services. Public Safety & Health Risks: Police report domestic violence arrests (including assaults in front of children and alleged workplace assault) and a separate case of a severely beaten man in Vaitogi with multiple suspects charged. Climate & Health: An El Niño Watch warns of likely impacts for American Samoa, including changes that could affect rainfall, heat-related health, and storm risk.

Kalaupapa Community Health & History: Meli Watanuki, diagnosed with Hansen’s disease (leprosy) as a young woman and later returning to live a full life in Kalaupapa, died May 17 at the Kalaupapa Care Home after a short illness—her family remembers her “never give up” spirit. Public Health & Safety Oversight: Virginia’s autopsy requirement after in-custody deaths is being missed nearly half the time, raising concerns about protection and accountability for people who die while incarcerated. Territorial Health Funding: American Samoa’s Department of Health received a $96,750 HRSA grant to strengthen care coordination for children and youth with special health care needs. Front-Line Care Support: A separate HHS/HRSA Health Center Program award of $3.25 million will continue primary and preventive services for local communities. Senior Wellness: Territorial Administration on Aging marked Senior Citizens Day with leaders urging continued focus on health and well-being for elders. Emergency Preparedness: FEMA’s National Emergency Management Basic Academy is running in American Samoa to boost disaster readiness and resilience. Violence & Community Health: Police charged multiple suspects in a Vaitogi assault case involving a 41-year-old man, with arrests and charges including assault and evidence tampering. Climate & Health Risks: An El Niño Watch signals higher chances of El Niño impacts for May–July, with potential effects on rainfall, heat stress, storms, and coastal ecosystems. Deep-Sea Mining Debate: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata renewed calls for a moratorium near American Samoa, citing unresolved science and risks to fish stocks and food security.

Deep-Sea Mining Moratorium: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata renewed her push to pause deep seabed mining near American Samoa, saying federal officials must follow the law, avoid shortcuts, and complete a full science-based environmental impact statement—especially over unknown sediment “plumes” that could harm fish stocks and food security. Health Funding: The American Samoa Department of Health received a $3.25 million federal grant to keep health center services running, including primary and preventive care for communities with limited access to specialized treatment. Emergency Preparedness: FEMA’s National Emergency Management Basic Academy is being hosted in American Samoa, a three-week training aimed at strengthening local preparedness and resilience. Senior Wellness: The Territorial Administration on Aging marked Senior Citizens Day, highlighting elders’ contributions and encouraging continued focus on health and well-being. Public Safety & Health Risks: Police reported multiple domestic violence and assault cases, including alleged workplace assault tied to domestic violence and another case involving a boyfriend’s alleged violent attack. Climate & Health: An El Niño Watch was issued, with high chances of El Niño and impacts that could affect rainfall, temperatures, and storm risk—factors that can worsen heat and other health concerns.

Medical Evacuation: Optimum Air shared how urgent air ambulance transport works from Las Vegas with a Honolulu base, including 24/7 communications and specialized loading systems for long-range patient transfers. Health Funding: The American Samoa Department of Health received a $3.2M federal grant to keep health center services running, including primary and preventive care. Elder Care: The Territorial Administration on Aging marked Senior Citizens Day, with leaders urging ongoing health and well-being for elders. Community-Based Care: A new Home and Community-Based Services Commission held its first meeting, focusing on expanding support for the territory’s growing elderly population and exploring Money Follows the Person funding. EMS Week: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata recognized EMS professionals and highlighted “Improving Outcomes, Together” as emergency care depends on coordinated teams. Public Health & Climate: An El Niño Watch signals likely El Niño conditions May–July, with potential impacts on rainfall, heat-related health risks, and storm activity. Obesity Snapshot: A new comparison ranks American Samoa among the highest adult obesity rates worldwide, underscoring the need for local prevention and wellness support. Violence & Safety: Police reported multiple assault cases, including domestic violence-related charges and a workplace assault, reminding residents to seek help early and protect victims.

Medical Evacuation: Optimum Air shared how urgent air ambulance transport works, including a Honolulu base and 24/7 communications to help families coordinate stressful island-to-hospital transfers. Domestic Violence at Work: Police arrested a man after a co-worker reported an alleged assault tied to surveillance footage showing him confronting a woman in a store parking lot and driving away with her; charges include assault, false imprisonment, and public peace disturbance. Senior Health & Support: The Territorial Administration on Aging marked Senior Citizens Day with Governor Pulaali’i and Congresswoman Aumua Amata, urging continued focus on elders’ health and well-being. Front-Line Care Funding: American Samoa Department of Health received a $3.25M federal HRSA grant to keep health center services running, including primary and preventive care. Elder Care Access: A new Home and Community-Based Services Commission held its first meeting, discussing funding options like the federal Money Follows the Person program to help seniors stay in their communities. EMS Week: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata recognized EMS professionals and the theme “Improving Outcomes, Together.” Climate & Health Risks: An El Niño Watch was issued, with forecasts pointing to impacts that can affect rainfall, heat-related health, storms, and coastal ecosystems.

Domestic Violence Case: A co-worker reported an alleged assault at a local store after surveillance footage showed a man confronting a woman in a parking lot and driving away with her; police arrested the suspect and he was held without bail, facing charges including Assault in the Third Degree (DV), False Imprisonment (DV), and Public Peace Disturbance (DV). Senior Health & Support: The Territorial Administration on Aging marked Senior Citizens Day with Governor Pulaali’i Nikolao Pula and Congresswoman Aumua Amata, stressing elders’ lifelong contributions and encouraging continued focus on health and well-being. Home Care Funding Push: American Samoa’s newly formed Home and Community-Based Services Commission held its first meeting, discussing how federal Money Follows the Person (MFP) funding could help people transition from institutions to home and community care—especially for the territory’s growing elderly population. EMS Week: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata recognized Emergency Medical Services professionals, highlighting the theme “Improving Outcomes, Together” and the importance of coordinated emergency response across villages. Climate & Health Watch: The Climate Prediction Center issued an El Niño Watch for May–July with an 82% likelihood, warning of potential impacts on rainfall, heat-related health risks, and increased storm activity. Community Outreach: EPIC received a $25,000 donation from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to support ongoing family and community outreach programs in American Samoa.

Health Access for Elders: American Samoa’s newly formed Home and Community-Based Services Commission held its first meeting, focusing on expanding care in homes and communities and discussing federal Money Follows the Person (MFP) funding. EMS Support: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata marked National EMS Week 2026 with a message thanking EMTs, paramedics, dispatchers, and first responders for saving lives and improving outcomes, especially where distance and limited resources make response harder. Child Safety Online: U.S. Attorney General William Tong announced a multistate investigation into Roblox over reports of child exploitation and harm, urging stronger protections for kids online. Obesity Snapshot: New international figures place American Samoa among the highest adult obesity rates worldwide (68.5%), highlighting a major wellness challenge. Violence and Public Safety: Police investigations and arrests followed multiple assaults, including a Vaitogi case with eight suspects and a separate domestic violence case charging a boyfriend with allegations including strangulation and threats. Climate Watch: The Climate Prediction Center issued an El Niño Watch for May–July, warning of likely impacts on rainfall, heat-related health risks, and storm activity. Deep-Sea Mining Debate: The U.S. is preparing lease auctions for deep-sea mining in federal waters, while local voices raise concerns about long-term damage to marine ecosystems.

Territorial Health Access: American Samoa’s newly formed Home and Community-Based Services Commission held its first meeting, focusing on expanding support for the territory’s growing elderly population and discussing funding options including the federal Money Follows the Person program. Emergency Care Spotlight: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata marked National EMS Week 2026, praising EMTs, paramedics, dispatchers, and first responders for saving lives and improving outcomes through teamwork with hospitals and public safety. Violence & Public Safety: Police charged multiple suspects after a man was found severely beaten in Vaitogi, with allegations including assault and tampering with physical evidence. Domestic Violence Case: Another investigation led to charges against a boyfriend accused of assault, strangulation, and threats, with the suspect held without bail. Community Support: EPIC received a $25,000 donation from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to strengthen outreach and family support programs across American Samoa. Climate & Health Risks: The Climate Prediction Center issued an El Niño Watch for May–July, warning it could shift rainfall patterns, raise temperatures, and increase storm impacts—factors that can worsen heat and other health risks. Nutrition Concern: A new global obesity comparison put American Samoa at 68.5% adult obesity, highlighting a major wellness challenge. Deep-Sea Mining Debate: Local voices and U.S. plans to auction seabed mining leases in federal waters are raising concerns about long-term harm to marine ecosystems and communities.

Territory Health Policy: A new Home and Community-Based Services Commission held its first meeting, focusing on expanding care for American Samoa’s growing elderly population and discussing federal Money Follows the Person funding to help people transition from institutions to home and community support. Emergency Care: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata marked National EMS Week with a reminder that EMS teams are vital in American Samoa, where distance and limited resources can make response harder—theme: “Improving Outcomes, Together.” Public Health & Safety: The EPA announced $6.2 million to reduce lead exposure in drinking water by finding and replacing lead service lines in American Samoa, noting lead’s harm to children’s brains. Community Health Access: FEMA approved over $1.3 million in post-disaster support for American Samoa, including repairs tied to public health and safety. Health Risks & Environment: Deep-sea mining plans are moving ahead, with U.S. lease sales targeting waters near American Samoa—while local leaders and residents raise concerns about irreversible harm to marine ecosystems and coastal health. Violence & Response: Police investigations continue after serious assaults in Vaitogi and Afono, with multiple arrests and charges filed.

Obesity Snapshot: New international figures put American Samoa at about 68.5% adult obesity—among the highest worldwide—highlighting a major local health challenge alongside neighboring Pacific nations. Elder Care Funding: American Samoa’s newly formed Home and Community-Based Services Commission held its first meeting, focusing on how federal Money Follows the Person (MFP) funding could expand support for older residents to stay in homes and communities. EMS Week Focus: National EMS Week spotlights emergency medical teams and the theme “Improving Outcomes, Together,” underscoring how coordinated response helps patients reach care despite distance and limited resources. Drinking Water Safety: The EPA announced $6.2 million to reduce lead exposure in American Samoa by finding and replacing lead service lines—especially important for protecting children’s brain health. Climate Watch: An El Niño Watch signals an 82% chance of El Niño developing May–July, with potential impacts on rainfall, heat-related health risks, and storm activity. Public Health Infrastructure: FEMA approved over $1.3M in post-disaster support for American Samoa, including reimbursements tied to health and safety after disasters. Community Support: EPIC received a $25,000 donation from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to strengthen outreach and family support programs.

Lead in Drinking Water: EPA announced $6.2 million to help American Samoa find and replace lead service lines, warning lead is a neurotoxin that’s especially harmful to children. Home & Community Care: The new Home and Community Based Services Commission held its first meeting, focusing on expanding support for the territory’s growing elderly population and exploring federal Money Follows the Person funding. EMS Week: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata marked National EMS Week with a reminder that emergency care is a team effort—especially important in American Samoa where distance and limited resources can slow response. Weather & Health Risks: An El Niño Watch signals possible El Niño conditions May–July, with expectations of major impacts for rainfall, heat-related health issues, and storm activity. Violence & Safety: Police charged suspects in multiple incidents, including an assault case in Afono involving a juvenile and another domestic violence case alleging strangulation and threats. Community Support: EPIC received a $25,000 donation from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to strengthen outreach and family support programs. Public Health Infrastructure: FEMA approved over $1.3 million in post-disaster funding that includes reimbursements tied to health and safety repairs, including at LBJ Tropical Medical Center.

Kalaupapa Health & Community: Meli Watanuki, 91, one of Kalaupapa’s last living Hansen’s disease patients, died after a final illness; she was known for faith, hula, and helping restart public tours. Public Safety & Violence: Police charged two suspects in an Afono disturbance after a juvenile was found with facial injuries, with both held without bail; separate cases also show arrests tied to alleged domestic violence and assaults. Climate & Health Risks: The U.S. Climate Prediction Center issued an El Niño Watch for May–July (82% chance), with higher heat and storm impacts that can affect health and safety. Drinking Water Protection: EPA announced $6.2 million to help American Samoa find and replace lead service lines, targeting a major neurotoxin risk for children. Emergency Care Focus: EMS Week highlights “Improving Outcomes, Together,” stressing teamwork between EMS, hospitals, and first responders. Food Assistance Update: ASNAP launched an Electronic Benefit Transfer system, replacing paper food stamps for low-income elderly, blind, and disabled residents. Disaster Funding: FEMA approved over $1.3M in post-disaster support, including reimbursements tied to health care facilities.

Arrests After Death Investigation: American Samoan authorities arrested eight men in connection with the death of 41-year-old David Golk of Ili‘ili, with formal charges expected soon as police continue interviews and review details of the case. Domestic Violence Case: A woman reported being violently assaulted by her boyfriend after he became intoxicated; the suspect was arrested, held without bail, and charged with multiple offenses including assault and threats. Public Safety & EMS Support: Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata marked EMS Week with a message thanking EMTs, paramedics, dispatchers, and first responders for saving lives and improving outcomes together. Maternal-Fetal Care Boost: With a Department of the Interior grant, clinicians at LBJ Tropical Medical Center are strengthening high-risk pregnancy care through sonography training, telehealth support, and better access to expertise. Clean Water Funding: EPA announced $6.2 million to help remove lead pipes in drinking water across American Samoa, targeting real exposure risks for children and families. Food Assistance Upgrade: DHSS launched the ASNAP Electronic Benefit Transfer system, replacing paper food stamps with EBT cards for eligible low-income elderly, blind, and disabled residents. Emergency Management Training: PCHS celebrated the first inclusive-Emergency Management graduating cohort at ASCC, building a stronger disaster response workforce for American Samoa. Deep-Sea Mining Pushback: A local congressional candidate demanded an immediate halt to BOEM’s proposed deep-sea mining lease sale near American Samoa, citing coastal protections and environmental harm concerns.