Strengthening Community Engagement and Health Equity in American Samoa thru the CDC Rape Prevention Evaluation Program

written by:  Jennifer Tofaeono, AI Chat (photo)
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At the Alliance every day we actively work on developing solutions for sexual violence prevention with the support of our CDC Rape Prevention Evaluation Program.  The focus of this project requires working together from our staff to community members, to partners and stakeholders to address sexual assault in our community. 

Since 2023, the Alliance has been actively working on Rape Prevention through our funding from Centers of Disease and Control (CDC).  Our focus is to create solutions for sexual violence prevention.  The emphasis is to engage our stakeholders to concentrate on critical health equity issues in American Samoa. Over the next few months, we will share with the community our key activities in collaboration with community leaders and health professionals. When we do this work, we discuss and translate concepts into our local language and unpack our Fa’aSamoa traditions that can help or prevent efforts of prevention for sexual assault.  This requires crucial conversations in safe spaces.

Stakeholder Interviews and Key Informant Sessions 
Currently our Alliance Team is being trained in how to conduct Key Informant Interviews.   The meetings have been held virtually and led by the Executive Director.  In this session we are learning the importance of interviewing our community.  We have identified different members in our community who may have knowledge or experience about the family and sexual assault, as well as what is health equity. We have identified at least 30 stakeholders to interview consisting of leaders, healthcare professionals, educators, and social agencies. From these conversations it will allow us to have an increased understanding of health equity issues.  From this we can create opportunities for collaboration, as we build a new rape prevention project aligned with CDC’s framework. 
As stated, before our team has and continues to undergo intensive training on how to conduct and develop Key Informant Interviews.  To be successful the Alliance recognizes equipping staff on how to lead meaningful discussions with healthcare providers and community leaders. The information we gain from participants will be valuable information that will shape future prevention strategies.
Engaging stakeholders is essential to the success of our prevention efforts. CDC data emphasizes that strong partnerships are critical, particularly in rural communities where health disparities are more pronounced. By working closely with stakeholders, we can co-create solutions that are culturally relevant and sustainable within the unique context of American Samoa. 

Stay Informed and GET INVOLVED!
The Alliance invites community members to follow our progress over the coming months. We are committed to providing regular updates and opportunities for feedback to ensure that our efforts reflect the needs and concerns of the people we serve. 

If you would like to learn more about the CDC Rape Prevention Evaluation Program or participate in future activities, please contact Jennifer Tofaeono, Executive Director, at (684) 699-0272 or via email at [email protected]. Your involvement is crucial in helping us create safer communities and build a healthier future for American Samoa. 

We look forward to working with you to foster change, promote health equity, and prevent sexual violence in our community.