AGP Executive Report

Radiation Compensation Push: Rep. James Moylan introduced the Radiation Exposure Compensation Reauthorization Act of 2026 to bring Guam back into eligibility for nuclear testing fallout compensation, raise payments to $150,000, extend deadlines, and allow medical expense reimbursement and sworn affidavits when records are missing. Stroke Care Recognition: Guam Regional Medical City earned the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association Get With The Guidelines–Stroke Gold Plus award, including Target: Stroke Honor Roll Elite and Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll, for performance from 2025. Local Health System Stability: Guam Memorial Hospital Authority says it is current on power and water payments after correcting outdated past-due figures, with no threat to patient care or operations. Public Health & Safety at Home: The Guam Solid Waste Authority board voted for mandatory islandwide trash collection and approved $4 million for more carts, with enforcement tied to the new law. Substance Abuse & Justice: Former GPD K-9 officer Brian Dacanay Awa was sentenced to 15 months in federal prison for meth distribution. Education & Access to Care: Guam’s nurse assistant pipeline continues despite storm disruptions, with Rota and Saipan students graduating after completing clinical training. Community Breastfeeding Support: Guam marked Breastfeeding Awareness Month with events and a community wave to expand support and resources for families.

Hospital Recognition: Guam Regional Medical City (GRMC) earned the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association 2026 Get With The Guidelines–Stroke Gold Plus Achievement Award, highlighting stroke care performance and programs including Target: Stroke Honor Roll Elite and Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll. Workforce & Credentials: GRMC credentialing supervisor Tanya Grant received the National Association of Medical Staff Services Certified Provider Credentialing Specialist certification. Public Health & Safety: Guam’s underground groundwater faces rising salt risk, according to a University of Guam study, adding urgency to conservation efforts. Local Health System Operations: Guam Memorial Hospital Authority says it is up to date on power and water payments and that patient care is not threatened. Education & Student Health Access: Guam Department of Education is pushing to reopen Tiyan High and Simon Sanchez by Aug. 31, with possible double-session plans if repairs run long; families and students continue to protest closures. Community Health Support: Guam marked Breastfeeding Awareness Month with events and community support efforts. Substance Use & Justice: Former Guam Police Department K-9 officer Brian Dacanay Awa was sentenced to 15 months in federal prison for meth distribution. Environment & Health: Conservation leaders gathered in Guam to address soil and water stewardship, invasive species, and erosion—key issues tied to long-term health and food security. Infrastructure & Readiness: A GAO report flags a $285B military maintenance backlog that can affect service members’ quality of life and health. Care Access & Homelessness: A five-year Guam roadmap aims to reduce homelessness and poverty, including a centralized drop-in center and benefits enrollment support. Nutrition & Wellness: An end-of-summer nutrition workshop at UOG focused on healthier habits. Community Food Culture: Mangilao’s Donne’ Festival (Sept. 11–13) spotlights the island’s hot pepper culture, with potential health benefits noted. Waste & Public Health: GSWA board voted for mandatory islandwide trash collection and $4M for more carts. Nursing Training Resilience: Rota and Saipan students completed nurse assistant training despite major storms. Sports & Wellness Inspiration: Guam weightlifter Chloe Santos returned home with gold after a competition in the Philippines. Professional Development for Youth: Junior Achievement Guam opened registration for its 2026–2027 Company of the Year program with three weeks left.

Groundwater & conservation: A University of Guam study warns Guam’s underground drinking-water supply may be absorbing more salt as sea levels rise, adding urgency to this week’s Pacific Southwest conservation meeting at Hyatt Regency Guam, where leaders also focused on erosion, invasive species, and protecting the aquifer. Stroke care spotlight: Guam Regional Medical City earned the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association 2026 Get With The Guidelines–Stroke Gold Plus Award, including Target: Stroke Honor Roll Elite and diabetes-related recognition. Public health & safety planning: Guam’s emergency-prep guidance on surviving a nuclear attack stresses sheltering, avoiding radiation, and acting on official instructions—highlighting how isolation can delay outside help. Military readiness & health impacts: A GAO report says the Pentagon’s military maintenance backlog has grown to $285B, with examples tied to conditions at bases including Guam. Local school health crisis: GDOE Superintendent Judi Won Pat says she’s pushing to reopen Tiyan High and Simon Sanchez by Aug. 31, with the possibility of double-session if repairs run long, as families and students continue to protest closures and delays. Food assistance disruption: DPHSS advised SNAP recipients whose benefits were delayed by a power-related glitch to check EBT balances, affecting 79 new households. GMH operations update: Guam Memorial Hospital Authority says it is current on power and water payments and that there’s no threat to hospital operations. Community health supports: Guam marked Breastfeeding Awareness Month with events and community support efforts, including a Healthy Moms Healthy Babies Fair and a public “Breastfeeding Wave.” Coral reef resilience: Residents urged stronger enforcement and pollution controls as Guam prepares its next five-year coral reef resilience strategy. Healthcare workforce pathway: Nurse assistant training graduates on Rota and Saipan completed clinical training despite major storms, underscoring local routes into care.

Local Health & Safety: Guam’s public health system is in the spotlight as DPHSS advises SNAP recipients to check EBT balances after a power-related glitch delayed benefits for 79 new households, while the Guam Power Authority reports repair work at the Ukudu Power Plant’s steam turbine and a load-shedding plan. Hospital Operations: Guam Memorial Hospital says it is up to date on power and water payments and that patient care won’t be interrupted, after earlier outdated past-due figures were flagged as inaccurate. Public Health Workforce Resilience: Despite super typhoon disruptions, Rota and Saipan students completed nurse assistant training and graduated Aug. 15, showing how health-care pathways can keep moving after disasters. Education & Health Access: Tiyan High and Simon Sanchez High remain closed for seven school days after failed public health inspections, with meal pickups and homework distribution arranged while GDOE weighs next steps. Community Breastfeeding Support: Guam marked August as Breastfeeding Awareness Month with events and community-led support, including the Healthy Moms Healthy Babies Fair and a visible “Breastfeeding Wave.” Accountability in Care: A proposal would create an executive director role for Guam’s chief medical examiner office as the territory prepares for leadership changes after Dr. Keng-Chih “Kenny” Su’s resignation. Health in the News Cycle: A Supreme Court case involving the Air Force’s explosives testing near Tarague Beach is urging Guam residents to support compliance with environmental review rules.

Breastfeeding Support: Guam marked August as Breastfeeding Awareness Month with a Lt. Gov. proclamation, community events at Micronesia Mall, and a “Breastfeeding Wave” gathering supporters—highlighting local resources and the need for ongoing family and health care partner support. Public Health & Schools: Tiyan High School and Simon Sanchez High School remain closed after failing health inspections; GDOE says redistricting won’t be voted on Monday, with contingency plans focused on busing/transport and supervision while students get meal and homework pickup options. Hospital Operations: Guam Memorial Hospital Authority says it is current on power and water payments and that outdated past-due figures in utility reports are being corrected; GMH says there’s no threat to operations. SNAP Access: DPHSS advised SNAP recipients whose benefits were delayed due to power-related EBT processing issues to check EBT balances after 7:15 p.m., affecting 79 households. Medical Examiner Stability: Sen. Telo Taitague is pushing for an executive director role in the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner as Dr. Keng-Chih “Kenny” Su resigns early, raising concerns about staffing, equipment, and coverage. Community Health & Safety: A 1-year-old died after a Yona auto-pedestrian crash involving a vehicle backing up in a driveway; GPD investigation continues. Homelessness Plan: DHAPP launched a five-year roadmap to reduce homelessness and poverty, including a dedicated office by Oct. 1 and a centralized drop-in center by 2028 with housing navigation, case management, and benefits enrollment.

Chief Medical Examiner shake-up: Guam’s chief medical examiner Dr. Keng-Chih “Kenny” Su left the island earlier than expected, raising concerns about coverage and stability at the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, as Sen. Telo Taitague weighs creating an executive director role to improve accountability. Public Health & safety: DPHSS says SNAP benefits for 79 households were delayed after power outages, advising recipients to check EBT balances; separately, Guam’s internet disruption was tied to power outages, not hacking. School health impacts: Tiyan High School and Simon Sanchez High School remain closed for seven school days after sanitation failures tied to DPHSS inspections; GDOE says redistricting won’t be voted on Monday while contingency plans are presented. Local care progress: An opinion piece highlights leadership changes at Guam Memorial Hospital since Oct. 1, focusing on emergency protocols, infrastructure repairs, and technology upgrades. Community health & environment: Residents weighed in on Guam’s coral reef resilience strategy, calling for stronger enforcement, pollution controls, and more environmental education. Accident: A 1-year-old died after a Yona auto-pedestrian crash involving a vehicle backing up. Fitness access: Custom Fitness closed its Anigua location and is relocating classes and physical therapy to Assan.

School Health & Safety: Guam Department of Public Health and Social Services says Tiyan High School is the only GDOE campus still failing sanitation for the year, after an Aug. 12-13 inspection earned 50 demerit points and a “D” rating, triggering enforcement and a sanitary permit suspension. Education Board Update: GDOE clarified that redistricting is not on the agenda for Monday’s Guam Education Board meeting; Superintendent Judi Won Pat will present contingency options for Tiyan and Simon Sanchez students, but only for information. Community Pushback: A petition by “Pro Public Schools Guam” is circulating over the Tiyan/Sanchez displacement, with petitioners urging options like asynchronous learning, redistricting, or double session. Public Health Leadership: Sen. Telo Taitague plans legislation to create an executive director role in the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner as Guam loses Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Keng-Chih “Kenny” Su, with concerns raised about staffing, equipment, and administrative support. SNAP Disruptions: DPHSS advised SNAP recipients to check EBT balances after power outages delayed benefits for 79 households; Guam Power Authority cited capacity issues and repairs at the Ukudu plant. Local Wellness & Fitness: Custom Fitness closed its Anigua location and is moving classes and physical therapy to Assan, with operations temporarily shifted to Tamuning until the new site is ready. Coral Reef Resilience: Residents at a Guam Museum town hall urged stronger enforcement, tighter development and pollution controls, and more environmental education as officials update the coral reef resilience strategy through 2032. Child Safety Tragedy: Guam Police report a fatal auto-pedestrian crash in Yona involving a 1-year-old who was struck while a related driver was backing up. Digital Health Policy (National): A new primer explains Medicaid home and community-based services for older adults, highlighting barriers for low-income seniors and people facing discrimination.

SNAP Relief Glitch: DPHSS says 79 Guam households (223 people) saw delayed benefits after power outages disrupted EBT loading; recipients should check EBT balances after 7:15 p.m. Friday as payments are expected to process overnight. Public Health & Schools: Tiyan High School and Simon Sanchez High School lost 7 school days after sanitation failures and enforcement actions; Tiyan was rated “D” in an Aug. 12 inspection and is now moving toward virtual instruction while deficiencies are addressed. Medical Examiner Leadership Shakeup: Sen. Telo Taitague is pushing for an executive director role in the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner as Dr. Keng-Chih “Kenny” Su leaves earlier than expected, raising concerns about staffing, equipment, and administrative support. Local Safety Incident: Guam Police report a fatal auto-pedestrian crash in Yona involving a 1-year-old girl who was hit while a vehicle was backing up; the investigation is ongoing. Care Access Disruption: A government internet outage tied to power failures briefly affected DPHSS services; OTECH says there was no hacking and SNAP applicants who applied Wednesday received benefits Thursday. GMH Governance Watch: Guam Memorial Hospital Authority held another emergency executive session on potential litigation, with details kept confidential due to attorney-client matters.

Guam Health Leadership: Sen. Telo Taitague is pushing to create an executive director role for the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner after Dr. Keng-Chih “Kenny” Su’s sudden departure, citing staffing gaps, outdated equipment, and weak administrative support. School Health & Safety: Tiyan High School and Simon Sanchez High School lost seven school days after sanitation failures and permit enforcement; meanwhile, McCool Elementary/Middle School is shifting to virtual instruction due to ongoing air-conditioning repairs. Public Health Alerts: Guam Waterworks Authority issued a boil-water notice after E. coli was found in a Barrigada-area well, warning of diarrhea and higher risk for infants and immunocompromised residents. Local Care Access: Guam’s SNAP benefits faced delays for 79 households after a power outage disrupted EBT loading, though benefits were processed the next day. Emergency Response & Injury: A 1-year-old died after a Yona auto-pedestrian crash involving a backing vehicle; investigations continue. GovGuam Operations: Internet disruption across government was blamed on power outages draining backup batteries, affecting some services briefly. Election & Care Stakes: A local op-ed argues Guam’s next election must answer hard questions on GMH, affordability, and long-term health and economic stability. Telehealth Rules: A new analysis highlights that telehealth physicians must be licensed where the patient is located, not where the doctor practices.

COVID-19 Update for Guam: CDC wastewater data shows COVID-19 activity rising across the U.S., including Guam and the Virgin Islands, with officials warning a summer surge may grow while severe illness remains low. Telehealth Rules: Promise released an analysis tied to the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact, reiterating that doctors must be licensed where the patient is located during telehealth visits—an issue as compact licensing hits record levels. Internet & Food Benefits Disruption: A Guam government internet outage was traced to power outages draining backup batteries at OTECH; SNAP benefits for 79 households were delayed but processed the next day. Public Health Staffing Concern: Guam’s chief medical examiner Dr. Keng-Chih “Kenny” Su left island earlier than expected, raising questions about coverage at the OCME. Water Safety Alert: GWA issued a boil-water notice after E. coli was detected in Well Y-09, urging residents to boil tap water for drinking and food prep. School Health & Sanitation: Public Health says all GDOE schools with expiring sanitary permits were inspected, but Tiyan High School failed and remains suspended pending fixes. Local Tragedy: A 1-year-old died after a Yona auto-pedestrian crash involving a backing vehicle. Emergency Preparedness: CNMI issued updates as Tropical Storm Saudel tracks near the northern islands, with stronger conditions possible.

SNAP & Food Security: Guam DPHSS says 79 households (223 people) missed scheduled SNAP benefits on Aug. 19–20 due to power-related glitches, with recipients urged to check EBT balances after 7:15 p.m. Friday and benefits expected to process tonight. School Health & Safety: McCool Elementary/Middle School will stay closed and shift to virtual instruction until repairs fix its air-conditioning system. Water Safety: GWA issued a boil-water notice after Well Y-09 tested positive for E. coli; residents in affected areas should boil tap water for drinking, brushing, ice, and food prep. Local Public Health Inspections: All GDOE schools except Tiyan passed sanitation inspections ahead of Sept. 30 permit expirations; Tiyan scored 50 demerits (“D”) and its permit was suspended. Injury & Emergency Response: Guam Police and Fire are investigating a fatal Yona auto-pedestrian crash involving a 1-year-old girl; care was terminated on scene after injuries. Care Pathways: A Guam student, Eduardo “Ed” Biala Jr., shared his route into General Surgery residency after the ‘Imi Ho‘ola post-baccalaureate program. Military Health Watch: The USS Abraham Lincoln began its journey home after nine months deployed; reports of shortages and mental health strain continue as the USS George Washington takes over.

Guam Public Health & Safety: GWA issued a boil-water notice after Well Y-09 tested positive for E. coli, warning residents in Barrigada, Latte Heights, Mongmong-Toto-Maite, Mangilao, Route 15 and Yigo to boil tap water for three minutes or use bottled water for drinking, ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes and food prep. Local Health Access: Guam’s Northern Region Community Health Center in Dededo renewed its national patient-centered medical home recognition through May 20, 2027, highlighting quality, access and care coordination for thousands of patients. Child Safety & Emergency Response: Guam Police and Fire responded to a fatal auto-pedestrian crash in Yona involving a 1-year-old girl; care was terminated by paramedics and the investigation remains open. School Health & Rights: The Tiyan High School campus closure continues to disrupt students’ education and raises civil-rights concerns, with Guam Legal Service Corporation filing a government claim over alleged failures to provide a safe, sanitary learning environment. Military Health & Quality of Life: USS Abraham Lincoln has begun its journey home after nearly 300 days deployed, as families and lawmakers continue pressing for answers on sailors’ mental health and onboard conditions. Wellness & Prevention: A UOG SNAP-Ed nutrition workshop series is set to help residents plan healthier, budget-friendly meals.

Water Safety Alert: GWA issued a boil-water notice after Well Y-09 tested positive for E. coli, telling residents across several northern and central areas to boil tap water for three minutes (or use bottled water) until further notice. Public Health in Custody: DOC quarantined a Hagåtña prison housing block after a detainee was suspected of tuberculosis, with Guam Memorial Hospital and DPHSS actively managing the situation. Injury & Emergency Response: A 1-year-old girl was injured in an auto-pedestrian crash in Yona; care was terminated by GFD paramedics and the case moved to GPD. Court & Care Access: A man paralyzed after being shot by police remains hospitalized and confined while awaiting a pretrial release decision tied to a car chase case. Road Safety/Charges: A Dededo auto-pedestrian crash led to felony charges for a man accused of leaving the scene and driving while impaired; the injured pedestrian was taken to Guam Regional Medical City. Healthcare Access Info: TRICARE beneficiaries can use the Global Nurse Advice Line 24/7 for nurse guidance on whether to seek urgent care or emergency care. Local Care Recognition: Guam’s Northern Region Community Health Center in Dededo renewed its national patient-centered medical home designation through May 2027. School Health & Equity: Guam Legal Service Corporation filed a government claim over Tiyan High closure, alleging students were denied civil rights to a safe, sanitary education.

Military Health & Readiness: Families and advocates are again raising alarms about conditions tied to long deployments, citing reports of moldy showers, shortages, and mental health strain aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln as lawmakers demand answers. Local School Health & Safety: Guam’s Tiyan High and Simon Sanchez closure continues to disrupt students, with the Guam Legal Service Corporation filing a civil rights claim over sanitation and facility failures found in inspections. Education Accountability: Campaign discussions and community pressure are focusing on contractor delays and maintenance gaps that left campuses out of compliance, with no firm reopening date yet. Public Health Access: Dededo’s Northern Region Community Health Center renewed national patient-centered medical home recognition, highlighting ongoing care coordination for thousands of residents. Nutrition & Wellness: UOG’s SNAP-Ed program is running an end-of-summer nutrition workshop series to help residents plan healthier, budget-friendly meals. Child Vision: A Wellness Wednesday guide stresses regular eye exams and protective habits to prevent childhood vision problems and injuries. Guam Policy Watch: Guam’s childhood vaccine requirements remain unchanged despite a federal review underway, according to DPHSS. Legislative Updates: Lawmakers passed bills including expanded late applications for criminal injuries compensation and a FY2027 budget compromise that keeps the Business Privilege Tax rollback on track.

Guam School Health & Safety: Guam Legal Service Corporation filed a government claim against the Guam Department of Education over the shutdown of the Tiyan High School campus, alleging the closure denied students civil rights to a safe, sanitary learning environment after a Public Health inspection found major sanitation and facility deficiencies. Local Education Accountability: Sen. Therese Terlaje and Sen. Sabina Perez held “Lunch with Leaders” discussing the Tiyan closure, pointing to slow contractor work orders and calling for stronger accountability to meet sanitary requirements. Northern Region Care Access: Dededo’s Northern Region Community Health Center renewed its national patient-centered medical home recognition, keeping Guam’s only such designation through May 2027. Nutrition Support in Guam: UOG’s SNAP-Ed program is running a free end-of-summer nutrition workshop series (“Ready, Set, Eat”) to help residents plan healthier, budget-friendly meals. Childhood Vaccines Unchanged: DPHSS says Guam’s childhood immunization requirements remain in effect despite a new federal 90-day review of vaccine recommendations. Homelessness Trends: DHAPP’s five-year plan reports homelessness rose sharply from 2020–2024, then declined in 2025, with housing shortages still the top driver. Budget & Public Services: The 38th Guam Legislature passed the $1.42B FY2027 executive spending plan, keeping a rollback of the Business Privilege Tax to 4% while funding public health and safety. Healthcare Workforce & Training: Andersen Air Force Base and the American Red Cross recognized VolunTEEN youth volunteers, giving teens hands-on exposure to military medical operations. Vision Health: A Wellness Wednesday guide highlights how regular eye exams and protective habits can prevent most childhood eye injuries.

Guam Vaccines Unchanged: Guam’s childhood immunization requirements will stay the same while federal officials conduct a 90-day review of vaccine recommendations under a new executive order, according to DPHSS. Military Health & Safety Scrutiny: Reports and family complaints about conditions aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln—food shortages, broken facilities, and mental health strain—continue to trigger investigations and denials from top officials, including Trump calling the crisis claims “fake.” Local School Health Concerns: Guam’s school closures and sanitation/inspection problems are pushing calls for more support, with the acting Navy directing coordination for help as families worry about basic health and safety at campuses. Homelessness Plan Update: DHAPP’s 2026–2030 homelessness strategy targets a centralized service center by 2028 and at least 50 transitional/emergency shelter beds by 2030, citing persistent unsheltered need despite a drop in 2025 counts. Guam Budget & Public Health Funding: The 38th Legislature passed a $1.42B FY2027 budget bill, keeping the Business Privilege Tax rollback at 4% while adding funding for health and public safety. GRMC Credentialing Milestone: A Guam Regional Medical City credentialing supervisor earned a national certification, supporting provider credentialing processes that help ensure qualified care. Public Safety Case: Guam Police say a fatal July 11 crash investigation remains open pending toxicology results, while the officer involved has returned to administrative duty. Corruption Call: A local opinion piece argues Guam needs stronger, more practical anti-corruption action and accountability.