Samoa National Nursing Association opens local office
To assist the general public with health issues, the Samoa National Nursing Association (SNNA) has estbalished a local office thanks in part to grant funding of $125,000 from the US Department of Interior's Office of Insular Affairs.
The new local office is a third for the SNNA, which has headquarters in Carson, CA and a second office in Tacoma, WA - areas of which are home to a large concentration of Samoan families.
The SNNA is a non-profit group that was established in 1996 and works to promote, advocate, identify, define, target and serve the Pacific Islander community in providing quality health education, recommendations, research, guidance, and services.
SNNA executive director Marion Hannemann, board chair Sala Mataali'i, project director Siniva Driggers (Tacoma office), and project coordinator Dorothy Vaivao (Carson office), have traveled to the territory to set up the new local office, located on the first floor of the Tedi Building in Fagatogo.
An official celebration was held at the Equator Restaurant last weekend where Governor Togiola Tulafono and First Lady Maryann, along with Lt. Gov. Ipulasi and his wife Elisapeta and a number of local health care professionals and nurses were in attendance.
SNNA aims to address education and awareness on various health issues, stressing prevention and early detection. The group provides health education in the areas of diabetes, breast cancer, cervical cancer, hypertension, prostate health, gout, obesity, immunization, and nutrition.
In addition, SNNA also offers translation services, health policy education, health care provider training, monthly breast cancer support groups, outreach programs, and support for the care of the elderly.
The OIA grant for SNNA was made available after talks with Governor Togiola Tulafono, the American Samoa Community College, and the LBJ Medical Center.
The SNNA is continuously seeking financial resources through federal grants and private foundations. More information about the group can be found at <www.snna.org> or by calling 633-5344.
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