On August 25 – 29, 2025 the FSM Department of Health and Social Affairs (Family Health Services Unit) in collaboration with the FSM Department of Education (Special Education Division) held an historic Interagency (IAC) Summit at the Pohnpei State Department of Health Conference Room. The IAC Summit brought together MCH / CSHCN, SpED Coordinators and family representatives from all four states of the FSM. Also in attendant were medical physicians and the Secretary of Health and Social Affairs, Hon. Secretary Samo, Acting Secretary of Education Hon. Albert, and Chief of Public Health for Pohnpei State Mr. Semenson Ehpel.
The IAC Summit kicked off with a training for Related Service Assistance (RSA) facilitated by Dr. Clare Camacho. The one and a half day training provided key technical knowledge on assisting children with special health care needs with an emphasis on the need to provide contextual services that will fit the specific needs of the children here in the FSM.
On the afternoon of August 26, 2025, the IAC was officially opened with a welcoming remark from Chief Ehpel of Pohnpei State, and Opening Remarks from Secretary Samo and Acting Secretary Albert. The three-and-a-half-day Summit consisted of state dialogues on their respective services and the gaps that could be alleviated through their renewed and continued collaboration between the two departments. In addition, FSM National staff from both departments also presented key information on the operations and expectation of the respective programs. These key information help paved the way for the states in identifying their action plan moving forward.
The IAC Summit concluded with the states formulating an action plan. Their action plans will be revaluated in the next IAC Conference which will to take place in Pohnpei on July, 2026. Acting Secretary Albert concluded the IAC with his sincere thanks to all participants and his anticipation to the next IAC Summit.
