On August 12, Governor Pulaali’i Nikolao Pula met with Lieutenant Colonel Hope Hashimoto and Staff Sergeant Joshua T. Fale. They discussed a partnership with the 1984th US Army Hospital-Pacific, where a team of military medical experts will supply medical care to American Samoan citizens for free throughout mid-August. This plan has already been in the works for a couple of months.
“Pacific and Joint military medical teams provide no-cost health care services to ALL residents of American Samoa,” The American Samoa Department of Health said on Facebook.
This is through the Innovative Readiness Training (IRT) program. They use military and society contributions to greatly benefit people as opposed to individual assistance. As communities provide the space and basic materials for their residents, the military personnel present the training resources. The goal of the IRT missions is to ready forces, foster partnerships, and build stronger societies.
The event took place from August 14 to August 25, from 9 am to 5 pm. In addition, the health services were offered throughout the week at Dywa, Tafuna. While insurance or payment were not needed, it was recommended to bring a hospital card.
Health services provided include medical screenings, eyeglass prescriptions, dental care, and behavioral health consultations. Health services also cover non-urgent care, pharmacy, OB/GYN, and women’s health. The initiative aimed at providing healthcare to all of American Samoa’s people. Additionally, this action then strengthens ties between American Samoa and the US military, as military medical members coming to provide health services help American Samoa’s people. The IRT program is not only focused on medical care to citizens, but also on giving veterinary assessments and care in American Samoa.
“IRT has given me the opportunity to work in a unique joint operations environment,” TSgt Michael Hong of the Air Force Reserve Command said. “It has been a privilege to witness military training that makes a meaningful impact on the well-being of American communities.”
Through the combined help of American Samoa and the military, the American Samoan people are able to receive aid. They are provided with basic, but crucial services at no cost. The goal of this event is to maximize the American Samoan population’s well-being. Additionally, the partnership creates closer relations with American Samoa and the IRT program, where they can work together to formulate new missions.
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