This project aims to strengthen american samoa's emergency preparedness by expanding and modernizing storage infrastructure for critical emergency supplies

The American Samoa Government Department of Treasury received a $350,000 Project Grant awarded November 3, 2025, under the Department of Interior's Office of Insular Affairs Economic, Social, and Political Development of the Territories program (CFDA 15.875). The award supports a comprehensive emergency preparedness initiative designed to strengthen American Samoa's capacity to respond to public health emergencies and natural disasters through September 30, 2029. Key deliverables include construction and retrofitting of emergency storage facilities (including a 40x60 fabricated warehouse and climate-controlled containers), deployment of a digital inventory tracking system for supply management and expiration monitoring, acquisition of transport equipment (trailer and forklifts), and establishment of strategic supply depots in remote, high-risk areas to ensure resource accessibility during crises.

The project encompasses workforce development and operational improvements, with staff training on inventory control, logistics coordination, and emergency response procedures. The initiative directly benefits the American Samoa public health workforce and emergency responders while providing indirect support to approximately 49,710 residents, with particular attention to vulnerable populations including the elderly, individuals with disabilities, and isolated communities. The American Samoa Department of Health leads implementation with support from the Public Health Emergency Preparedness team, addressing critical supply chain challenges and enhancing community resilience across the territory.

IT enhances inventory management, logistical efficiency, and the rapid deployment of resources during public health emergencies and natural disasters. Investments in secure storage, advanced tracking systems, and logistical support will address supply chain challenges and bolster community resilience. Key activities include constructing and retrofitting emergency storage facilities, such as a 40X60 fabricated warehouse and climate-controlled containers. A digital tracking system will be deployed for stock monitoring, expiration tracking, and efficient resource allocation. The initiative will also acquire a transport trailer and forklifts to facilitate rapid mobilization and distribution of emergency supplies. Staff will receive training on inventory control, logistics coordination, and emergency response, while strategic supply depots will be established in remote areas to improve resource accessibility. Expected deliverables include expanded and modernized storage facilities, a digital inventory system for efficient supply management, improved logistics and transport resources for emergency supply deployment, and trained personnel for effective inventory management and response. Additionally, strategic supply depots in remote, high-risk areas will be implemented to ensure access to critical resources during crises. The project will directly benefit the public health workforce, emergency responders, and healthcare providers while indirectly supporting the 49,710 residents of american samoa, particularly those in remote villages. Vulnerable groups such as the elderly, individuals with disabilities, and isolated communities will also receive critical support. The american samoa department of health leads the implementation, supported by the phep team overseeing execution and logistics. Local healthcare providers and first responders will integrate emergency supply distribution into disaster response efforts, while community and faith-based organizations will support outreach and preparedness. Federal and regional partners will provide technical assistance and oversight. This initiative will revolutionize american samoa's emergency response framework, ensuring critical supplies are stored, managed, and deployed efficiently to protect lives and enhance resilience in times of crisis.