Have time? Stop in and visit the Brain Health Fair

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — A member of the Natives Engaged in Alzheimer’s Research (NEAR) program collects blood samples during the Brain Health Fair that was held yesterday at the Department of Youth and Women’s Affairs (DYWA) gymnasium in Pago Pago. The fair kicked off last Friday and runs through this Thursday.

The American Samoa Community Cancer Coalition’s (ASCCC) Puipui Malu Manatu (PMM) research program, in partnership with (NEAR, is continuing its series of Brain Health Fairs in an effort to understand and ensure brain health within the Pacific population.

The fair is a novel hands-on, highly interactive educational workshop that includes activities, surveys, and exercises assessing an individual’s memory and thinking.

To participate, individuals must be 50 years or older, of Pacific ancestry, must provide consent, and be willing to give a blood sample.

It’s is open to all individuals that meet these qualifications.

Fair days, locations and times for this week are:

•        Tuesday, March 7, 2023, at the American Samoa Community College (ASCC) Multi-Purpose Center (MPC) from 9 am to 1 pm 

•        Wednesday, March 8, 2023, at the ASCC MPC from 9 am to 1 pm 

•        Thursday, March 9, 2023, at the ASCC MPC from 9 am to 1 pm 

Upon completion of all activities, exercises, and collection of blood samples, participants will receive refreshments, a SWAG Bag and $60 stipend.