DoH tasked with proposal to expand mental health and health care facilities

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The ASG Oversight Office for the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) has released funding requirements for some long needed medical services encompassing a Mental/ Behavior Heath Services and Facility as well as  Community Health Centers with the Health Department designated as the lead agency.

According to the Oversight Office documents dated Dec. 16th and publicly released yesterday, DoH is required to submit proposals for the intended use of ARPA funds in compliance with Oversight Office established guidelines.

Oversight Office documents show that $24 million is allocated for Mental/Behavioral Health Facility and Services and $20 million for a Community Health Center. Timeline for implementation of both projects is 6 months to 18 month for each project.

BEHAVIOR HEALTH FACILITY

The Mental/ Behavioral Health Facility and Services document states that establishing a new mental/behavioral health facility and expansion of its services are critical to address the behavioral healthcare needs in American Samoa.

It notes that the negative impacts of COVID-19 and the public health emergency declaration have exacerbated problems related to mental health, which necessitates the urgency to expand American Samoa’s response capabilities for mental/behavioral services and facilities in American Samoa.

According to the documents, the territory lacks a fully equipped and operational mental health facility with the needed experts and personnel capable of providing the necessary services, programs and treatment.

And this includes the correct assessment, diagnosis, treatment and prescription of medications for those suffering from mental and behavioral health illnesses, which have been exacerbated due to COVID-19.

“American Samoa has encountered hardships and challenges with an increase in social problems, violence and criminal activities at the start and during the pandemic,” it says and noted that local news outlets have reported a surge in suicide rates among the youth, domestic and sexual abuse violence cases, and an increase in alcohol and substance use.

“The problem is further amplified because there is no drug rehabilitation center and thus poses a great harm and serious risk to this small island community,” it says.

Additionally, families are being torn apart and destroyed as well as communities being ravaged by increase in violence and criminal acts, much are attributed to alcohol and drug abuse.

Furthermore, the negative impacts of COVID-19 have made it necessary and a priority for American Samoa to build a new mental health facility and expand its services and programs to be able to adequately address the needs of the territory.

“This new facility and expansion of services will improve access and capacity for underserved and disadvantageous population areas,” the documents explained.

COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER

The document states that the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the disparity in access to adequate healthcare and shows the urgency and immediate actions necessary to address the local healthcare needs and services.

And the establishment and expansion of DoH community health centers in American Samoa will help enhance capacity and improve access to medical and public health services.

This investment will help prepare and support efforts to mitigate and prevent the spread of Covid-19. The border shutdowns, controlled flight travels and the limited transportation between the islands of Aunuu, Manu’a and Tutuila all pose immediate danger and high risk to American Samoa.

“The call to action is now to build and expand DoH community centers and its services at remote villages and outlying islands,” it says. “This is the best opportunity to use ARPA resources to strengthen local healthcare sector, provide immediate access to medical and public health services and lessen the time for patients to reach medical assistance.

“These improvements will better prepare American Samoa for addressing the negative impacts exacerbated by the pandemic and help promote a healthy and stronger community,” according to Oversight Office documents.

Another set of documents states that DoH will conduct assessments and evaluations of the proposed projects and develop a scope of work to include all relevant components — such as  covering: physical construction and site development (as needed); expanded or new community health center services for all the American Samoa 
Islands; Mental/Behavioral Health professionals’ personnel and staffing needs; and Medical and Public Health Professionals’ personnel and staffing needs

DoH will also provide to the Oversight Office dates of its public hearings on the two projects, in compliance with provision of ARPA funding.

Details of two projects and other documents on Oversight Office website:  [https://www.americansamoa.gov/arpa].