2025 June News

Council members looking at State Director presentation

Community Advisory Council Meeting

The Pacific Center in Human Security held its annual Community Advisory Council Meeting on Thursday, May 22, 2025. State Director Tafaimamao Tua-Tupuola provided the Council with updates and status of programs, as well as, what to expect for upcoming events and activities. New council members and staff were introduced at the meeting.

Board members with PCHS State Director and management.

PCHS Presentation to ASCC Board of Higher Education

State Director, Tafaimamao Tua-Tupuola presented to the American Samoa Community College Board of Higher Education (BHE) on Tuesday, June 17, 2025. The presentation was an overview of the Pacific Center in Human Security's strategic plan, goals, and objectives. We thank the BHE once again for inviting us to share.

See more photos of the event here.

State Director, Tafaimamao Tua-Tupuola presenting on PCHS Governance and Core Functions.

Meet and Greet Luncheon

The Pacific Center in Human Security hosted a Meet and Greet Luncheon with Honorable Governor Pulaali'i Nikolau Pula, First Lady Lois Philips-Pula, the Nafanua Foundation, and other honorable local network partners.

The opportunity provided a platform to share about the Center programs and activities, as well as strengthen existing and new partnerships.

Read more about it in the ASG Press Release here and see more photos of the event here.

Nafanua Leadership Fellows performing a Samoan Siva

New Data Quality Analyst in Money Follows the Person, Sui Ioane

Welcome to our New Data Quality Analyst

A warm welcome to the latest addition to the team, Sui Ioane. Sui has joined our Money Follows the Person office as the Data Quality Analyst. We're so glad you're with us, Sui!

Graphic banner: Pacific Atamai - Interdisciplinary, Preservice, Continuing Education

Advisory council looking at presentation.

Human Security Department Advisory Meeting

The Human Security Department Advisory Council members met on Tuesdsay, May 20, 2025 about the degree program updates and upcoming activities for the inclusive-Emergency Management trainees. The Council consists of Homeland Security and emergency management practitioners and professionals. They meet every semester to provide guidance and discuss opportunities for the program and trainees.

State Director, Tafaimamao Tua-Tupuola teaching in PCHS training room.

Into week 3 for the summer 2025 semester. State Director, Tafaimamao Tua-Tupuola with the inclusive-Emergency Management (iEM) cohort at their iEM 220 Disaster Law and Policy course.

The development of the Project i-EMPLOY is funded by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services – Administration for Native Americans - Social Economic Development. Award #90NA8492-01-00. Awarded to the Pacific Center in Human Security, formerly AS-University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD).

Graphic Banner: PACIFIC Way - Training and Technical Assistance

Discussion panel at the needs assessment meeting

Needs Assessment and Public Input on Home- and Community-Based Services Meeting

The Pacific Center in Human Security (PCHS) held a Needs Assessment and Public Input on Home- and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Meeting on Tuesday, May 27, at the Rex H Lee Auditorium.

The event included Opening Remarks by AS Medicaid Director, Louise Kuaea, a presentation by State Director, Tafaimamao Tua-Tupola, and lastly followed by a Discussion Panel and Q&A with Hope House Administrator, Salaia Save'a Tuileta and AS Department of Education, Program Director, Thor Tinitali.

See more photos of the event, here.

The Center still needs your stories, experiences, and input on what HCBS should look like for American Samoa. The information and input from the public will help with decision-making for future planning of health-related and caregiver services on island.

Click here to fill out the survey.

State Director Tafa presenting at the podium

Meeting with MFP staff and Medicaid representative.

Money Follows the Person staff, Valencia Tinae and Sui Ioane, State Director, Tafaimamao Tua-Tupuola, and AS Medicaid representative, Beverly Liu, after meeting about Home- and Community-Based Services (HCBS).

This publication is supported by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $4,753,644 with 100 percent funded by CMS/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by CMS/HHS, or the U.S. Government. Award# 1LICMSS331881-01-00

Pacific Talk: Communications graphic text only.

Territory Epidemiologist, Adam Konrote, from the AS Department of Health.

Morning Atamai with Vinnie Atofau

In this episode, Territory Epidemiologist from the AS Department of Health shares with inclusive-Emergency Management student, Merenita Setu, about the important role the department plays in health security at our borders. He also shares about recent outbreaks, what to look for, and who to contact.

View the full episode here.

Pacific Talk: Podcast with Savanah Samaseia

Pacific Talk: Podcast, Self-Advocate with Savanah Samaseia

We continue our Pacific Talk: Podcast, Self-Advocate Series with Savanah Samaseia. In this episode, the Nafanua Leadership Fellow and Self-Advocate tells our Pacific Center in Human Security Communications Manager, Katrina Helsham, about the Nafanua Foundation and the program that has given her a platform to raise awareness for disability, specifically autism. Savanah also shares her own story about navigating life with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and learning disabilities.

Watch the full episode here.

What is the most interesting information in this issue of UCEDD It!? Choose one to let us know:

Community Advisory Council Meeting

Meet and Greet Luncheon

Welcome to New Data Quality Analyst, Sui Ioane

Human Security Department Advisory Meeting

Needs Assessment & Public Input for Home- and Community-Based Services

Morning Atamai with Adam Konrote

Pacific Talk: Podcast, Self-Advocate episode with Savanah Samaseia

Pacific Center in Human Security

pchs@amsamoa.edu | pchs.amsamoa.edu | (684) 699 - 2722 ext. 4202