Congressman Faleomavaega announced today that the House and Senate passed H.R. 2764, the FY 2008 Omnibus Appropriations bill which includes his request for $624,000 for LBJ to purchase additional dialysis machines, supplies and related needs. 

 “On March 14, 2007, in a letter to Chairman David Obey and Ranking Member James Walsh of the House Committee on Appropriations, I requested $1 million for the purchase of critically needed dialysis and diagnostic medical equipment for our dialysis facility and intensive care and emergency rooms at the LBJ Tropical Medical Center,” Faleomavaega said.

 “I explained that LBJ is the only health care provider in American Samoa and is a semi-autonomous agency of the American Samoa Government.  LBJ does not operate at a profit.  With limited resources, LBJ is in a difficult position of upgrading its equipment to meet our people’s needs.”

 “However, Congress has approved $624,000 for the purchase of additional dialysis machines and diagnostic equipment, LBJ will be in a better position to offer improved healthcare for the residents of American Samoa.”

 “I want to thank my colleagues in the Congress for their support and I also thank Ms. Olita Tafiti, Supervisor of the LBJ Dialysis Center and her dedicated staff for their hard work at the dialysis center.  I am told many of our dialysis patients are from Manu’a, and perhaps this fund may assist to purchase two additional dialysis machines to be installed and to operate in Manu’a.  I am aware that District Governor Tufele also receives treatment at the Center, and maybe something can be done to provide this service to our people in Manu’a.”

 “Our new VA health clinic will be a hallmark of our efforts and I am committed to making sure the VA works in conjunction with LBJ at every opportunity.  As our local government works to support these federal initiatives, I am confident we can improve healthcare in the Territory and provide our people with the services they deserve,” Faleomavaega concluded.