PUBLIC INPUT

This year, ASMCH team had very few prospects to collect public input to help revise the statewide five-year needs assessment and identify strategies that will help guide the work for this program.  Nevertheless, possible avenues were made available through COVID operations throughout the year, although fewer than expected.  Some of these opportunities included task force meetings, advisory councils, and forums that include community members who provide valuable insight to the quality of services programs like Title V provide for women and children.  Perspectives from both the professional side and the community were favorably considered in revising the State Action plan for the following years, especially considering the challenges that came up due to the pandemic.  Their input and experience directly informed this program of present issues and priority needs that need to be considered and included in American Samoa Title V five-year application, especially during a pandemic.

The following are meeting opportunities in which ASMCH staff were able to share on selected priorities and gain feedback on the State Action Plan.  Also note the duration of each meeting throughout the year.

The following individuals and stakeholders contributed to this year’s reporting:

A Public Notice was also posted on the ASMCH Facebook pages to also acquire general public feedback on the grant application. had not yet received an email, a phone call, or a personal visit to ask questions and provide feedback.

After the application is submitted, ASMCH will continue to work with entities representing advocates, advisory bodies, providers and consumers to receive input on the programs, policies, reports and plans included in the Title V application. For example, the Children's Special Health Care Needs (CSHCN) Division routinely works with the Parent Network for children with special needs, Helping Hands Early Intervention and SPED. All these partners provide information and support to families and input on CSHCN program operations. By receiving ongoing feedback and recommendations, we will refine current policies and SOPs and thus promote awareness to assure that services reflect the voices of individuals with special health care needs and their families.