Am Samoa DHSS receives much needed $250,000 grant for opioid programs

Washington, D.C. — A recent U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) $250,000 mental health and substance abuse grant for American Samoa Department of Human and Social Services (DHSS) is designated for opioid programs.

According to a press release from Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata’s Washington office, the new grant award is from the HHS Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT) under the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) for this fiscal year through September 2023, one year of a two-year planned project.

 “Thank you especially to Talalupelele Sunia-Fiso for the effort resulting in these federal funds coming to our islands, and directing these necessary opioid services, along with the entire team at DHSS working on these priorities,” said Aumua Amata. “It’s important that our professional social services have the resources to compassionately work for the recovery of those facing mental health needs or struggling with substance abuse.”

The DHSS personnel, led by Director Muavaefa'atasi John Suisala, and reporting to Governor Lemanu P.S. Mauga and Lieutenant Governor Talauega E.V. Ale, manage key DHSS programs that provide necessary social services in American Samoa. At the federal level, HHS is led by Secretary Xavier Becarra, SAMHSA by Assistant Secretary Miriam Delphin-Rittmon, and CSAT by Director Dr. Yngvild Olsen.