Members of the ASCC-ASAHEC chapter of Health Occupations Students of American (HOSA) include (front row, left to right) Gracechelle Cabalar, Rosalia Taotofi, Sivoki Niumataiwalu, Tamara Bailey, Dora Ailima, Mao Luamanu (back row, left to right) Aaron Roebeck, Motutama Sipelii, Lipano Vele, Michael James Sword-Curry, and Isidro Balza. (Courtesy Photo)
Members of the ASCC-ASAHEC chapter of Health Occupations Students of American (HOSA) include (front row, left to right) Gracechelle Cabalar, Rosalia Taotofi, Sivoki Niumataiwalu, Tamara Bailey, Dora Ailima, Mao Luamanu (back row, left to right) Aaron Roebeck, Motutama Sipelii, Lipano Vele, Michael James Sword-Curry, and Isidro Balza. (Courtesy Photo)
ASCC-ASAHEC Announces Plans for the AS HOSA State Association
September 17, 2015
By Nancy H. Allen
The American Samoa Area Health Education Center (ASAHEC) is pleased to announce its efforts to launch the Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) State Association and support the affiliation of local HOSA chapters in schools during this 2015-2016 school year. In June, Sailitafa Samoa, ASCC-ASAHEC Program Director and Magdalene Augafa-Leauanae, DOE Health Coordinator attended the HOSA 2015 National Leadership Conference, Anaheim, CA to experience firsthand the engagement and energy of HOSA members and their advisors.
Through a competitive application process, Sailitafa Samoa was selected to attend the 2015 Public Health Leadership Seminar with the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response and the Office of the U.S. Surgeon General led by the Medical Reserve Corps, July 6-11. The 2015 Public Health Leadership Seminar afforded HOSA representatives the opportunity to enhance their knowledge, refine professional capabilities and increase their awareness of the infrastructure, operations and responsibilities of the Office for Preparedness and Response in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
HOSA-Future Health Professionals is the largest national organization operating in schools for students enrolled in health science and biomedical sciences programs and serving those interested in pursuit of careers in health and biomedical professions. HOSA works closely with local and state leaders to attract qualified students to the health industry. HOSA’s purpose is to develop leadership and technical competencies through a program of motivation, awareness and recognition, which is an integral part of the instructional program. This student-led organization provides opportunities for students to practice and refine their academic, technical, leadership, and teamwork skills to achieve seamless transition from education to careers. Research has shown HOSA members are better prepared for postsecondary studies, and are more likely to consider careers as healthcare providers, scientists, technology experts, biomedical engineers, and researchers.
In 2014-2015, HOSA membership experienced a 39th year of consecutive membership increase and exceeded 180,000 in 4,088 chapters in 48 state associations, including Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Canada, Italy and Mexico, with 48% ethnic diversity. Since 1976, HOSA has served 2.2 million students interested in pursuing careers in health. HOSA is the vital pipeline for the health industry—an industry that is projected to add 5.0 million jobs between 2012 and 2022, growing faster than jobs across all other sectors.
More information will be released throughout the academic year highlighting the initial steps and successes of the American Samoa HOSA State Association along with the development and growth of local HOSA chapters throughout the Territory. For more information please contact Ms. Sailitafa Samoa or visit the HOSA website at www.hosa.org.