OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR
PRESS RELEASE
(for immediate release – Tuesday, June 12, 2007)
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Gov. Togiola opens American Pacific Nursing Leaders Council conference

(UTULEI) –  Governor Togiola Tulafono officially opened the 27th American Pacific Nursing Leaders Council (APNLC) conference yesterday at the Tradewinds Hotel in Tafuna.

With delegates from the U.S. Pacific jurisdictions of Yap, Chuuk, Kosrae and Pohnpei of the Federated States of Micronesia, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, Hawaii, the Marshall Islands, Palau, Hawai’i and American Samoa, Governor Togiola welcomed the 100 conferees to the Territory and said he recognizesthat island people’s health needs can best be met and understood by health professionals of a similar cultural background.

“The unique qualities of the nursing profession have a high level of respect throughout all of our communities. And I wish to thank you all for your dedication and commitment to excellence in health care,” said Governor Togiola.

Governor Togiola also touched on the challenging times that the Pacific jurisdictions continue to face with a shortage of qualified nurses.

“Like throughout the Pacific region, the shortage of nurses issue is of major significance here in American Samoa as well,” said Governor Togiola. “We all know of studies by health groups and professionals, as well as your annual discussions, on how we will replace retired nurses and recruit their younger replacements, let alone inject interest in students to be a part of the future nursing workforce. I ask you to please ensure that this issue is a priority in your deliberations during the conference.”

Governor Togiola and First Lady Mary Ann Tulafono, in conjunction with the American Samoa Nurses Association, hosted a reception last night in honor of APNLC conference at Government House on Maugaoali’i.