If approved by the US Department of Agriculture (DOA), school children would also receive vouchers for school meals on holidays and weekends.
The Department of Human and Social Services submitted a proposal to USDA to fund a supplemental school meal benefits program where families will receive food stamp coupons monthly to help purchase food for school children when they have no access to school meals. For example, on weekends, holidays and school breaks.
If approved, this will help families purchase food for their children when they are not in school.
This information is contained in the DHSS report in the Governor’s State of the Territory Address.
Other highlights from the report:
In collaboration with the Department of Health, DHSS Behavioral Health Services Division successfully obtained the first accreditation of the territory’s 988 Suicide and Mental Health Helpline by the International Council for Helplines.
The accreditation validates the delivery of high quality service, best practices and ethical standards. The accreditation is for a period of 5 years from September 2022–September 2027.
DHSS Behavioral Health Division utilized COVID-19 funding to establish two community-based behavioral health centers to help individuals access behavioral health services with more ease and less stigma, that can result from entering a government-based office.
There is one community center in Pavaiai and another community center set up at the Pago Pago Plaza. Behavioral health counselors are assigned to both community sites to conduct intake, screening, assessment, treatment and referral for both substance abuse and mental health treatment.
Both community centers are equipped for individual and group counseling sessions, and clients have reported their appreciation for the community-based site which is closer to their homes and easier to access than the BHSD main office in Utulei. In addition, to behavioral health treatment services, the community center in Pavaiai also includes a “clubhouse” for mental health services and is dedicated to providing mental health clients daily treatment sessions, mental wellness activities and respite care.
