AGP Executive Report

Storm Readiness: Guam Power Authority is urging residents to plan ahead for Tropical Storm Bavi by securing outdoor items, clearing hazards near power lines, and preparing for possible outages—especially for people on electrically powered life support, with guidance to avoid indoor generator use. Hospital Continuity: Guam Memorial Hospital has activated storm procedures and says the ER will stay open 24/7; when Condition of Readiness 2 is declared, it will accept eligible expectant mothers (36+ weeks, or 24+ weeks if high-risk) for safe shelter during the storm. Maternal & Community Health: Guam’s foster care system is under strain, with over 600 foster children and only about 60 foster homes; the Mayors’ Council of Guam is exploring a recruitment and/or support initiative after a 2019 effort that exceeded targets. Cancer Care Access: A new medical oncology practice opened at Tumon Sands Plaza, aiming to expand access to modern cancer treatment locally. Public Health & Safety: Guam’s F.B. Leon Guerrero Middle School in Yigo passed phase one of a required health inspection, clearing the path to reopen after a closure tied to structural issues. Accountability & Costs: Guam faces a potential SNAP cost shift as a high payment error rate could make the island responsible for 15% of program costs. Health Policy & Coverage: Doula services are set to become reimbursable under Medicaid starting July 1, expanding support for maternal care. Cancer Risk Research: A new study reports rising breast cancer incidence among Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander women, with increases noted in younger patients and more aggressive tumor types.

Storm Readiness: Guam Memorial Hospital is activating Tropical Storm Bavi plans, keeping the ER open 24/7 and continuing inpatient care, with elective/non-urgent outpatient services potentially paused; once Condition of Readiness 2 is declared, GMH will accept expectant mothers 36+ weeks (or 24+ weeks if high-risk) to report to patient registration. Cancer Care Access: Dr. Paul Coty, a board-certified medical oncologist, opened a new practice at Tumon Sands Plaza to expand local access to modern cancer care and chemotherapy. Maternal & Community Support: The Mayors’ Council of Guam is responding to a foster parent shortage with a recruitment and support campaign after 2019’s effort recruited 21 families; leaders say the need is growing as foster children rise and homes lag. Public Health & Safety: Guam is moving toward stronger emergency protection with calls for community bomb shelters, plus a separate push for better islandwide medical capacity as the system strains. Food Safety Alert: FDA recall coverage warns consumers to discard specific imported moringa leaf powder supplements tied to Salmonella illnesses. Health System Accountability: An editorial highlights concerns about Guam’s medical malpractice mandatory arbitration limits, arguing patients face barriers to meaningful redress. Local Health Infrastructure: F.B. Leon Guerrero Middle School in Yigo passed phase one of a health inspection, clearing the way toward reopening after a 2023 closure. Transit to Care: Dededo Park & Ride is breaking ground to support the “Road to Education” route, including stops at the Northern Regional Community Health Center and major education sites.

Public Health & Safety: Guam is pushing for islandwide emergency readiness with a proposal to establish community bomb shelters across Southern, Central and Northern Guam, including a grant program to help communities build protective infrastructure. Maternal Care Access: Medicaid coverage is expanding on Guam to include doula services starting July 1, covering prenatal, labor/delivery support, and postpartum visits for eligible pregnant individuals. Local Health System Pressure: Health care leaders are renewing calls for more hospitals and stronger emergency capacity as Guam’s medical infrastructure strains under limited beds and long waits. Transportation to Care: A new Dededo Park & Ride Northern Terminal is breaking ground to support the “Road to Education” route, linking riders to the Northern Regional Community Health Center, UOG, and other key services. Health Workforce & Education: The University of Guam recognized graduate award nominees and winners, while Guam’s F.B. Leon Guerrero Middle School in Yigo passed phase one of a required health inspection to reopen after closure. Nutrition Assistance Watch: Guam faces potential cost-shifting on SNAP due to a high payment error rate, with reforms starting in 2027. Food Safety: FDA recall alerts warn consumers about salmonella-linked products containing imported moringa leaf powder. Governance & Accountability: A performance audit found inconsistent oversight and monitoring for Guam’s Village Community Care childcare program, affecting accountability for about $10.8M. Energy & Emissions: GovGuam agencies received eight plug-in hybrid electric vehicles to support community services and reduce emissions. Cancer Care: A new medical oncology practice opened at Tumon Sands Plaza to expand local access to cancer treatment.

Public Health & Safety: Guam’s health care system is under strain, with advocates renewing calls for more hospitals and better emergency capacity as residents face long ER waits and costly off-island transfers. Medicaid Maternal Care: DPHSS says doula services will be reimbursable under Guam Medicaid starting July 1, covering prenatal and postpartum support with limits on units and travel. Food Safety Recall: FDA reports Salmonella illnesses tied to recalled moringa leaf powder supplements, urging consumers to check lots and discard products. SNAP Cost-Sharing: Guam faces potential cost-shifting under federal SNAP reforms after a reported 11.7% payment error rate, which could raise Guam’s share of program costs. Local Health Access: A new Dededo Park & Ride Northern Terminal is breaking ground to connect riders to the Northern Regional Community Health Center and other key services via GRTA’s “Road to Education” route. Healthcare Workforce & Recognition: Guam Regional Medical City social worker Willenda Billimon earns a Social Worker of the Year nomination for patient-centered advocacy. School Health Infrastructure: F.B. Leon Guerrero Middle School in Yigo passed phase one of a required health inspection, clearing the way for reopening progress. Community Health Equity: A performance audit found oversight and monitoring gaps in Guam’s Village Community Care childcare/community funding program.

Cancer Care Access: Dr. Paul Coty opened a new medical oncology practice at Tumon Sands Plaza on June 8, aiming to bring modern cancer treatment closer to Guam residents. Local Health Infrastructure: F.B. Leon Guerrero Middle School in Yigo passed phase one of a required health inspection, clearing the way for the campus to reopen after a closure tied to structural issues. Health System Strain: Community and health leaders renewed calls for more hospitals and stronger emergency capacity as Guam’s medical infrastructure struggles with bed shortages, long ER waits, and costly off-island transfers. Maternal Health Coverage: Guam Medicaid will reimburse doula services starting July 1, covering support from confirmed pregnancy through six months postpartum for eligible members. Public Health Leadership: Guam tuberculosis program manager Chima Mbakwem was selected to lead the National Tuberculosis Coalition of America, giving the Pacific region a stronger voice in national TB policy. Care for People with Disabilities: The Guam System for Assistive Technology held its 32nd Assistive Technology Fair, showcasing tools that help residents live more independently. Transit to Health & School: Ground broke on the Dededo Park & Ride Northern Terminal, funded by a $9.5M federal grant, with the route connecting riders to the Northern Regional Community Health Center and major education sites. Community Health Funding Oversight: A performance audit found oversight and monitoring gaps in Guam’s Village Community Care childcare program, limiting accountability across municipalities.

Courtroom Health: A medical issue interrupted sentencing for a 90-year-old man convicted in the $34M Hafa Adai Bingo fraud, delaying proceedings in District Court of Guam. Local Health Capacity: Guam health leaders and advocates say the island’s medical system is straining—too few beds, long ER waits, and costly off-island transfers—renewing calls for more hospitals and stronger emergency care. Maternal Care Access: Guam Medicaid will reimburse doula services starting July 1, covering prenatal through postpartum support for eligible expectant mothers. Pediatric Specialty Care: Shriners Children’s Hawaii’s July 8–11 outreach clinic on Guam is filled, with families urged to join a call list for future in-person or telehealth slots. Public Health Leadership: Guam tuberculosis program manager Chima Mbakwem was selected to lead the National Tuberculosis Coalition of America, boosting Pacific representation in national TB policy. Child Welfare Pressure: A foster home shortage and rising child removals—amid a long-running meth crisis—are straining Guam’s child welfare system, leaving children waiting for placements. Transit for Care Access: Groundbreaking for the Dededo Park & Ride Northern Terminal aims to connect residents to schools and the Northern Regional Community Health Center via GRTA’s “Road to Education” route. Wellness Spotlight: A local wellness feature highlights Guam’s “slow life” appeal for fitness and outdoor living.

New Hospital Momentum (Mangilao): Guam held a dedication for the planned new hospital site in Mangilao, ending the long-running location debate and setting up a larger “one area” medical complex that could bring Public Health, Behavioral Health, veterans services, and more under one roof. Public Health Access (Pediatrics): Shriners Children’s Hawaii is returning July 8–11 for free pediatric orthopedic and burn/sports injury consultations, but Guam’s appointment slots filled fast, with families urged to join future outreach or telehealth call lists. Medicaid Coverage Update (Maternal Care): DPHSS says doula services will be reimbursable under Guam Medicaid starting July 1, with clear billing limits and eligibility rules for prenatal and postpartum support. TB Leadership (National Role): Guam’s TB program manager Chima Mbakwem was selected to lead the National Tuberculosis Coalition of America, giving the Pacific region a stronger voice in national TB policy. Child Welfare Strain: Advocates warn Guam’s foster care system is under pressure from a foster home shortage and rising removals, leaving children waiting for placements. Accountability Watch (Childcare Funds): An audit found oversight and monitoring gaps in the Village Community Care childcare program tied to about $10.8M in mayoral funding. Local Health Workforce (Training): PSS launched a Nurse Assistant Summer Program to help students earn industry-recognized credentials and prepare for the CNA exam.

Medicaid Maternal Care: Guam DPHSS says doula services will be reimbursable starting July 1, covering prenatal and postpartum support (with limits on units and no separate travel pay). Child Welfare Strain: A new report highlights a foster care shortage as removals rise and meth crisis pressures families, leaving children waiting for placements. Public Health Leadership: Guam TB program manager Chima Mbakwem was selected to lead the National Tuberculosis Coalition of America, giving the Pacific islands a stronger national voice. Access to Pediatric Specialty Care: Shriners Children’s Hawaii’s July 8–11 outreach on Guam is filled, with families urged to join call lists or request telehealth. Audit Watch: An Office of Public Accountability performance audit found oversight and monitoring gaps in Guam’s $10.8M Village Community Care childcare program. Water Safety Update: A Mangilao well shut off for dieldrin was briefly turned back on during Super Typhoon Sinlaku recovery, with dieldrin levels discussed against Guam’s action limits. Healthcare Workforce Pipeline: PSS launched a 2026 Nurse Assistant Summer Program for students aiming for CNA credentials. Local Health System News: Guam Regional Medical City’s TakeCare coverage ends Sept. 9, and a new Mangilao hospital site dedication moves the project forward.

Guam Public Health Leadership: DPHSS says Guam TB program manager Chima Mbakwem was selected to lead the National Tuberculosis Coalition of America, giving the Pacific region a stronger voice in national TB prevention and elimination efforts. Pediatric Specialty Care Access: Shriners Children’s Hawaii will return to Guam July 8–11 for free consultations for children up to 17 with orthopedic conditions, healed burns, or sports injuries, but in-person appointments are already filled; families can request future outreach or telehealth. Hospital Modernization & Quality: Guam Regional Medical City/GMHA is preparing for a potential CIHQ accreditation survey, with the Guam National Guard helping ready hospital departments for safer, higher-quality care. New Hospital Site in Mangilao: A dedication ceremony marked the Mangilao location for a new hospital and medical complex, ending a long-running debate over where it should be built. School-to-Healthcare Pipeline: PSS launched its 2026 Nurse Assistant Summer Program (June 27–Aug. 14) for high school students to earn credentials toward Certified Nursing Assistant exams. Local Health System Funding Watch: GDOE reported $82.1M cash on hand but a review found millions tied to old obligations and restricted spending, raising questions about what’s actually available. Veterans Housing Support: HUD and VA announced $33M for HUD-VASH, adding 2,532 vouchers nationwide, part of the push to reduce veteran homelessness.

Tuberculosis Leadership: Guam’s TB program manager Chima Mbakwem was selected to lead the National Tuberculosis Coalition of America, giving the Pacific islands a stronger voice in national TB prevention and control. Pediatric Orthopedics Access: Shriners Children’s Hawaii will return to Guam July 8–11 for free consultations for kids up to 17, but appointments filled fast and bookings are closed, with a call list and telehealth options offered. Local Hospital Progress: Guam’s new Mangilao hospital site dedication moved the location debate forward, with plans to consolidate Public Health and Behavioral Health “under one area” as the project continues. Public Health Compliance: DPHSS is investigating banned coral-hurting sunscreen imports, working with Customs to pull violators from commerce and pursue civil fines. GMHA Accreditation Prep: Guam Regional Medical City’s public hospital authority is preparing for a national accreditation push, partnering with the Guam National Guard ahead of an August 2026 application. Water & Health Funding: EPA announced $25M in grants to improve drinking water in small and rural communities, including PFAS and lead-related upgrades. Veterans Housing: HUD and VA announced $33M for HUD-VASH vouchers, adding 2,532 vouchers to help end homelessness among homeless Veterans.

Pediatric Orthopedics Access: Shriners Children’s Hawaii will return to Guam July 8–11 for free consultations for children up to 17 with orthopedic conditions, healed burns, or sports injuries, but all in-person appointment slots are filled and families are being directed to a call list or telehealth options. Public Health Compliance: Guam Public Health is investigating reported violations of Guam’s banned-coral sunscreen rules, working with Customs and Quarantine to stop misbranded/adulterated products from entering commerce and pursue removal and fines when confirmed. Hospital Quality Push: Guam Memorial Hospital Authority is preparing for national accreditation through CIHQ, targeting an August 2026 application and an on-island survey in about 4–5 months, with support from the Guam National Guard. New Hospital Site Moves Forward: After years of debate, officials held a dedication ceremony for the new Mangilao hospital location, with Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero describing plans to consolidate Public Health, Behavioral Health, and veterans services “under one area.” School System Funding Scrutiny: GDOE says it has $82.1M in cash, but an audit review found millions tied up in old obligations and restricted funds, while lawmakers also pressed on school closure and consolidation processes. Local Health Care Workforce: GMHA is partnering with the Guam National Guard to regain accreditation, while separate coverage highlights a Guam-raised sonographer’s national award for high-risk pregnancy care. Community Health & Safety: A public-facing reminder on rip currents urges people not to panic and to float out of danger, as Guam residents plan beach time amid broader U.S. drowning reports.

Mangilao Hospital Decision: Guam’s long-running fight over the new hospital location appears to be settled after a dedication ceremony for the Mangilao site, with Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero saying the plan is for a full medical complex under one area, including Public Health, Behavioral Health, veterans’ services, and more. Pediatric Specialty Access: Shriners Children’s Hawaii’s July outreach clinic for orthopedic and burn/sports injuries is fully booked again, with DPHSS saying bookings are closed and families can join future waiting lists or telehealth options. GMHA Accreditation Push: Guam Memorial Hospital Authority is preparing for a Center for Improvement in Healthcare Quality accreditation application in August 2026, with the Guam National Guard supporting facility improvement work ahead of a survey expected 4–5 months later. Public Health Enforcement: The Department of Public Health and Social Services is investigating reported violations involving banned, coral-hurting sunscreen ingredients and says it’s coordinating with customs to stop shipments and enforce removals and fines. Cannabis Milestone: The Cannabis Control Board approved Guam’s first permit to operate a cannabis cultivation facility, clearing another step toward a regulated market 12 years after medical marijuana legalization. Veterans Housing Funding: HUD and VA announced $33 million for 2,532 new HUD-VASH vouchers to help homeless Veterans secure stable housing. Water Safety & Health: A federal settlement update reports DOJ payments tied to Hawaii’s Navy fuel-contaminated water health impacts, while separate EPA funding targets drinking water upgrades and PFAS/lead concerns in small and rural communities.

Guam Cannabis Milestone: The Cannabis Control Board approved Guam’s first permit to operate a cultivation facility, clearing the way for commercial production after years of regulatory delays; Deep Green Guam (Real Deal LLC) received unanimous approval following agency clearances and an inspection, though additional steps are still required before production and sales. Public Health Enforcement: The Department of Public Health and Social Service is investigating violations of Guam’s banned, coral-hurting sunscreen rules, working with Customs and Quarantine to flag shipments and pursue removal, return, or disposal plus possible civil fines. GMHA Accreditation Push: Guam Memorial Hospital Authority is preparing for a potential CIHQ accreditation survey, targeting an August 2026 application and partnering with the Guam National Guard on facility improvement work. Pertussis Update: Guam’s pertussis outbreak has been declared over after 42 days without new lab-confirmed cases tied to the original daycare setting. Assistive Tech Event: GSAT is hosting a free Assistive Technology Fair at Micronesia Mall (June 27) featuring demonstrations like AI smart glasses and practical tools to support independent living. Local Health Care Spotlight: A Guam-raised sonographer, Mishella Perez, received a 2026 Distinguished Sonographer Award for leadership and advocacy aimed at improving access to high-risk pregnancy care for Guam families.

Hospital Accreditation Push: Guam Memorial Hospital Authority is preparing for a Center for Improvement in Healthcare Quality (CIHQ) accreditation application in August 2026, with an expected survey 4–5 months later, and says 45 Guam National Guard members will help with facility improvement and campus upgrades. Public Health Enforcement: Guam Department of Public Health and Social Service is investigating violations of Guam’s banned, coral-hurting sunscreen rules, working with Customs to stop shipments and requiring removal, return, or disposal of confirmed products. Outbreak Update: Public Health says Guam’s 2026 pertussis outbreak is over, with no new lab-confirmed cases linked to the original daycare setting since June 8. Workforce & Care Access: A local sonographer, Mishella Perez, received a national Distinguished Sonographer Award and is pushing to improve access to high-risk pregnancy care for Guam families. Mental Health Spotlight: A Wellness Wednesday column highlights men’s mental health, noting Guam’s high suicide impact on males and urging more open help-seeking. Community Health Tech: Guam System for Assistive Technology’s free Assistive Technology Fair (June 27) will showcase tools like AI smart glasses to support independent living for people with disabilities. Safety Reminder: An AP explainer on rip currents urges beachgoers to stay calm and float out of danger, noting rip currents drive many rescues and deaths. Local Health Infrastructure: The Veterans Affairs Medical Arts Center ribbon-cutting marks a long-running effort to build a medical campus next to Guam Regional Medical City.

Hospital Quality Push: Guam Memorial Hospital Authority is preparing for a CIHQ national accreditation survey, with an application planned for August 2026 and an accreditation visit expected 4–5 months later, and it’s partnering with the Guam National Guard to ready nearly every department. Public Health Enforcement: The Department of Public Health and Social Service is investigating reports of banned, coral-hurting sunscreen ingredients (oxybenzone, octinoxate, octocrylene), coordinating with Customs and Quarantine on port referrals and possible removal and civil fines. Maternal Care Recognition: Guam-raised sonographer Mishella Perez received a 2026 Distinguished Sonographer Award for work in maternal-fetal medicine, with a focus on improving access to high-risk pregnancy care for Guam families. Veterans Care Expansion: VA opened a new community-based outpatient clinic annex in Dededo at the Medical Arts Center, adding primary care, prosthetics, lab services, and in-person mental health support. Legal/Patient Safety: A Superior Court judge denied electronic monitoring release for a man accused in the 2021 killing of GMH radiologist Dr. Miran Ribati, keeping him in custody on $1 million cash bail. Wellness & Accessibility: GSAT’s Assistive Technology Fair (June 27) will showcase tools—including Meta AI-powered smart glasses—to help people with disabilities live more independently. Outbreak Update: Public Health says Guam’s pertussis outbreak is over, declared ended June 8 after no new lab-confirmed cases linked to the original daycare setting. Local Health System Change: Guam Regional Medical City will end TakeCare coverage effective Sept. 9.

Public Health Enforcement: Guam’s Department of Public Health and Social Services is investigating reported violations of bans on coral-hurting sunscreen chemicals, coordinating with Customs and Quarantine to stop misbranded or adulterated products at ports; confirmed items must be removed from commerce and businesses can face civil fines. High-Risk Pregnancy Care: A Guam-raised sonographer, Mishella Perez, received a 2026 Distinguished Sonographer Award, and is using that recognition to push for better access to maternal-fetal medicine for families on Guam. Veterans Health Expansion: The VA opened a new Guam Community Based Outpatient Clinic annex in Dededo, adding primary care, prosthetics, lab services, and in-person mental health support for veterans. Mental Health Awareness: A Wellness Wednesday column spotlights Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month, noting Guam’s high male suicide burden and encouraging more men to seek help. Community Health & Safety: An AP explainer on rip currents urges people to stay calm and float out of danger, after multiple U.S. rip-current deaths this year. Local Health System Changes: Guam Regional Medical City will end TakeCare coverage effective Sept. 9, affecting how patients access care. Public Health Update: Guam’s pertussis outbreak has been declared over after 57 days without new lab-confirmed cases tied to the original daycare setting. Health Care Workforce: CHG Healthcare CEO discusses burnout and workforce shortages, reflecting ongoing staffing pressures. Health & Education Funding Pressure: Oversight coverage highlights a dispute over nearly $20M in unpaid school repairs, underscoring how facility conditions can ripple into student health and wellbeing.