October 2, 2026
Pohnpei—A new building for the FSM Department of Health and Social Affairs opened in Palikir on September 25, providing space for the Department’s daily operations and a facility that can be converted for quarantine use when needed.
According to a Facebook announcement from the U.S. Embassy to the FSM, a $2.3 million grant from the U.S. Department of the Interior funded the facility through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, commonly known as the CARES Act.
Acting Deputy Chief of Mission Amy Gradin delivered remarks at the opening. ARM Buildings, Inc. constructed the multipurpose facility, the Embassy said.
The building serves two purposes: accommodating the Department’s routine work and providing space that may be reconfigured as a quarantine facility. That arrangement allows the Department to use the building during normal operations while retaining an additional option for responding to public health needs.
The Embassy said the project represents U.S. support for the FSM health sector beyond funding provided through the Compact of Free Association. It described the facility as an example of cooperation between the two countries to strengthen health systems and support healthier communities.
The announcement did not provide the building’s size, its potential quarantine capacity, the construction timeline, or details of the work required to convert it for quarantine use. It also did not identify other speakers or officials who attended the opening.
The Department of Health and Social Affairs did not notify The Kaselehlie Press of the opening ceremony.
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