“This grant is important to help ensure that people with AIDS can get the care and services that they need,” explained Congressman Faleomavaega.  “In addition to the grant awarded to American Samoa, $7 million has been awarded under the Minority AIDS Programs, funded under Title II of the Ryan White CARE (Comprehensive AIDS Resource Emergency) Act.”

       “HIV/AIDS is a global issue, one in which we are not isolated from and that we must prepare and educate American Samoans about,” the Congressman said.  “I want to thank HHS Secretary Tommy Thompson for recognizing American Samoa’s need to be included in this grant program and for his continued support in helping provide adequate health care services to American Samoa,” concluded the Congressman.

       The CARE Act, has been re-authorized through 2005, and since it’s inception has helped an estimated 530,000 poor and uninsured individuals with HIV/AIDS each year.