AGP Executive Report

Military Health & Readiness: A new Pacific security posture is on display as the USS George Washington makes Guam’s first 2026 port call, with carrier strike group crews getting time ashore. Veterans Care: Guam’s $15.4M veterans cemetery expansion is at risk of missing the Sept. 30 grant deadline, with officials saying it “probably not going to make it.” Medicaid Expansion: DPHSS plans to apply for a Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services waiver, “Kumunidåt Diniseha: Community of Hope,” to expand assisted-living, home supports, and case management. Mental Health Access: A local letter argues Guam’s mental health system needs major upgrades, citing long emergency waits, limited specialized care, and insufficient long-term options. Cancer Support & Mindfulness: The Guam Cancer Survivorship Conference highlighted mindfulness for physical and mental well-being, while National Cancer Survivor Month spotlights ongoing local support through the Guam Cancer Trust Fund. Public Health & Safety Training: Guam’s first wildfire training brings structural ignition and community mitigation sessions to help local agencies prepare for higher fire risk. Wellness Tourism: Guam’s “Wellness Island” push scored awards at Seoul’s travel fair, promoting relaxation, sports, and culture to Korean visitors. Fraud & Community Impact: A Guam bingo operator tied to a Shriners Hospital fundraising scheme is now on the FBI’s Most Wanted Fraudsters list.

Medicaid Expansion: Guam DPHSS is applying for a new Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services waiver, “Kumunidåt Diniseha: Community of Hope,” to fund assisted-living, home supports, and case management—aimed at reducing avoidable hospitalizations. Mental Health Access: A local letter argues Guam’s mental health system needs major upgrades, citing long emergency wait times, limited specialized care, unclear discharge follow-up, and a shortage of long-term support and housing for severe chronic illness. Cancer Support & Mindfulness: The Guam Cancer Survivorship Conference highlighted mindfulness as a tool for physical and mental well-being during survivorship. Cancer Month Funding: June’s National Cancer Survivor Month spotlighted the Guam Cancer Trust Fund and its FY2026 grants supporting patient travel, direct assistance, and prevention services. Medical Oversight: A Guam medical board decision over the death of a 5-year-old is being criticized as too slow, raising concerns about patient safety and transparency. Workforce & Care Capacity: A regional report warns labor shortages are stymieing construction of schools and hospitals across Micronesia, threatening future health capacity. Hospital Funding Deadlines: Mangilao hospital ARPA funds are being shifted to other eligible projects as deadlines approach, following a Supreme Court ruling that cleared the governor’s authority to move forward. Wellness Tourism: Guam’s “Wellness Island” push at Seoul’s travel fair promoted relaxation, sports, and culture—tying tourism to health and lifestyle interests.

Wellness Tourism Push: The Guam Visitors Bureau led a 12-business delegation to the 41st Seoul International Travel Fair (June 4–7), marketing Guam as a “Wellness Island” and winning top honors, including a Best of the Best Marketing Award. Cancer Care & Mindfulness: The 2026 Guam Cancer Survivorship Conference highlighted mindfulness as a tool for physical and mental well-being during survivorship. Mental Health Access: A local letter argues Guam’s mental health system needs major improvement, citing long waits for crisis psychiatric care and weak follow-up support. School Psychology Licensure: Guam’s new school psychologist licensing pathway gives GDOE psychologists 90 days to apply under a grandfather provision after Public Law 38-131. Medical Oversight Scrutiny: A father says Guam’s medical board took nearly six years to decide a complaint tied to the death of a 5-year-old, raising concerns about patient risk and transparency. Health Funding Opportunities: Del. James Moylan says Guam could receive over $5 million for upgrades including Guam Memorial Hospital, emergency response, and forensic/DNA lab improvements. Community Wellness Win: Guam High School earned a $500 prize for student participation in the Kick the Fat 2026 run/walk. Power Relief Debate: A proposed $100 monthly power credit faces funding questions as ratepayers brace for an estimated $58 average bill hike.

Health Workforce & Licensing: Guam’s new school psychologist licensing pathway is now in place under Public Law 38-131, with GDOE psychologists getting 90 days to apply for licensure under a grandfather provision. Medical Accountability: A father says Guam’s medical board’s slow handling of a complaint tied to the 2018 death of a 5-year-old has left families without timely justice, even after the board voted to complete its investigation. Cancer Support & Mind-Body Care: At the Guam Cancer Survivorship Conference, mindfulness exercises were highlighted as a practical tool for managing stress and supporting mental health during survivorship. Local Care Access Funding: Guam could see more than $5 million in federal investments aimed at upgrades to Guam Memorial Hospital, emergency response, and forensic/DNA lab improvements. Mental Health System Gaps: A letter argues Guam’s mental health “safety net” needs stronger access, staffing, follow-up care, and long-term options for people with severe chronic illness. Wellness Tourism: Guam’s Visitors Bureau and partners promoted “Wellness Island” at the Seoul International Travel Fair, pitching nature, relaxation, sports, and culture to Korean travelers. Public Health & Safety Costs: A long-running Ypao Beach Park water leak is still draining Parks and Recreation about $33,000 a month, with officials saying a solution is pending. Community Wellness: Guam High School won a $500 participation prize for Kick the Fat 2026, supporting student activity programs. Infrastructure for Health: CCU authorized GWA to use ARPA funds for eligible water and wastewater projects tied to the Mangilao medical complex timeline.

Wellness Tourism Push: Guam’s Visitors Bureau led a 12-business delegation at the Seoul International Travel Fair, pitching “Wellness Island” to Korean travelers with local hotel, golf and experiences partners and CHamoru cultural performances. Cancer Care & Mind-Body Support: The 2026 Guam Cancer Survivorship Conference highlighted mindfulness as a tool for hope, stress relief and day-to-day coping for survivors and caregivers. School Mental Health Licensing: After Public Law 38-131 created a licensed school psychologist profession, GDOE psychologists have 90 days to apply for licensure under a grandfather provision. Eye Care Pathway: UOG graduate Kyra Dela Cruz is heading to UC Berkeley’s optometry program, aiming to return to Guam to help meet local vision needs. Cancer Survivorship Month Funding: The Guam Cancer Trust Fund outlined FY2026 awards supporting off-island travel, patient services and cancer prevention/education. Hospital Infrastructure Funding: Guam could see over $5M from the FY2027 Agriculture Appropriations Bill, including upgrades tied to Guam Memorial Hospital and emergency response and forensic lab capacity. Mental Health System Gaps: A letter argues Guam’s mental health safety net needs stronger access, staffing and long-term care, with families reporting long waits and unclear follow-up after crisis visits. Fraud Fallout: A Guam bingo operator tied to a Shriners-related fundraising scheme remains in the spotlight after being placed on the FBI’s Most Wanted Fraudsters list. Public Health & Safety Costs: A long-running Ypao Beach Park water leak is still draining Parks and Recreation about $33K per month, with officials saying a fix is being coordinated. Community Wellness for Youth: Kick the Fat 2026’s school participation contest awarded Guam High School a $500 prize, supporting student activities tied to healthy living.

Mental Health Access: A Guam letter says the island’s mental health system needs major upgrades, citing long emergency psychiatric wait times, limited specialized care, unclear discharge follow-up, and a shortage of long-term care and recovery supports. Fraud and Patient Care Fundraising: A Guam bingo operator tied to a Shriners Hospital transportation scheme is now on the FBI’s Most Wanted Fraudsters list, after federal authorities said millions were laundered from a $34 million operation meant for sick children. Hospital Infrastructure Funding: Consolidated Commission on Utilities discussions show $104M in American Rescue Plan Act money set for the Mangilao hospital complex may be reallocated to meet federal spending deadlines, with legal fights and procurement constraints shaping what can be used and by when. Water & Wastewater Projects: CCU authorized the Guam Waterworks Authority to use ARPA funds for eligible water and wastewater infrastructure tied to obligations before Dec. 31, 2024, aiming to reduce reliance on bonds. School Health & Wellness: Guam High School won a $500 prize for student participation in the Kick the Fat 2026 5K/10K, a youth wellness initiative tied to activity and nutrition awareness. Special Education Oversight: The House Appropriations Committee directed the U.S. Department of Education to examine special education service gaps in Guam and brief Congress within 180 days. Healthcare Workforce Policy: Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero vetoed a bill expanding licensing pathways for internationally trained physicians into Guam’s private sector, while signing a separate measure unlocking $77M for the school district.

Mental Health Access: A Guam letter argues the island’s mental health system needs major upgrades, citing long emergency psychiatric wait times, difficulty finding specialized care, unclear discharge follow-up, and a lack of long-term options for people with chronic severe illness. Behavioral Health & Safety Net: Another local report highlights how Guam’s “safety net” is strained, with 988 and mobile crisis response teams helping but federal funding pressures threatening capacity. Hospital Funding Deadline: Guam’s Mangilao hospital infrastructure funds are set to be reallocated as a Dec. 31 deadline nears, with discussions pointing to which agencies can obligate and spend the money. School Health & Care: GovGuam signed a bill unlocking $77M for GDOE, while a separate federal House directive orders a review of Guam special education service gaps. Public Health Operations: DPHSS is centralizing operations through new commercial leases amid a surge tied to SNAP waiver expirations. Fraud & Trust in Care: A former Guam bingo operator tied to a Shriners Hospital fundraising scheme is on the FBI’s Most Wanted Fraudsters list, after defrauding patrons for “sick children” transport. Community Wellness: Guam High School won a $500 Kick the Fat 2026 participation contest, supporting student activity programs. Infrastructure & Emergency Readiness: Cyber Guam 2026 training brought service members and OTECH together to strengthen Guam’s emergency radio and cybersecurity systems. Traffic & Injury: Police identified Latte Heights crash driver Lumon James Tio, 21, as the third traffic fatality of 2026; another crash sent a woman to Guam Regional Medical City with non-fatal injuries.

Mental Health & Safety: A report on a Marine’s suicide alleges toxic leadership and a command climate that fellow Marines say ignored warning signs, renewing calls for stronger mental health support; Public Health Operations: DPHSS is centralizing operations through new commercial leases as SNAP-related administrative demands surge, with key units relocating and the federally certified Public Health Laboratory staying put until a Mangilao facility opens; Special Education Access: The House Appropriations Committee directed the U.S. Department of Education to examine special education service gaps in Guam and brief Congress within 180 days; Marine & Community Health Funding: Guam’s ocean research and reef protection programs face possible shutdown in FY2027 as NOAA budget cuts target grants and monitoring; Emergency Readiness & Cybersecurity: IRT Cyber Guam 2026 trained 60 service members to strengthen Guam’s cyber networks and emergency radio infrastructure with upgrades, vulnerability assessments, and live communications testing; Injury & Trauma Updates: Police identified Latte Heights crash driver Lumon James Tio, 21, as the third traffic fatality of 2026, while another crash sent a woman to Guam Regional Medical City with non-fatal injuries.

Traffic & Emergency Care: GPD identified 21-year-old Lumon James Tio as Guam’s third traffic fatality of 2026 after a June 6 Mangilao three-vehicle crash; he was pronounced dead at the scene and confirmed by Guam Memorial Hospital. Public Safety & Health Access: A woman was taken to Guam Regional Medical City after a vehicle crashed into Don Don Donki in Tamuning on Friday; injuries were reported non-fatal. Mental Health in the Courts: A psychiatrist’s forensic report in the Vince Edward Santos Yatar murder case is delayed 60–90 days, pushing the status hearing to Aug. 13. DPHSS Operations: DPHSS is centralizing divisions through new commercial leases amid SNAP-related operational pressure; the Public Health Laboratory will stay put until a Mangilao facility opens in August. Food Safety Oversight: With only three trained inspectors, DPHSS completed about half of required high-risk inspections, raising concerns about food and institutional facility safety. Education & Disability Services: House Appropriations directed the U.S. Department of Education to brief Congress within 180 days on special education service gaps in Guam. Healthcare Policy & Licensing: Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero vetoed a bill expanding licensing pathways for internationally trained physicians into Guam’s private sector, while signing a separate measure unlocking $77M for GDOE projects. Community Health Events: RUNGUAM Running Festival 2026 is set for Aug. 16 in Tumon, billed as a health and wellness event.

DPHSS Centralizes Operations: Guam’s Department of Public Health and Social Services is moving toward a more unified setup by securing new commercial leases, including relocating general administration to ParkPlace and shifting public welfare to University Castle Mall, while keeping the federally certified Public Health Laboratory in place until a permanent Mangilao facility opens in August. Public Health Staffing Strain: Environmental health inspectors are stretched thin—lawmakers heard the department is completing only about half of required high-risk food and institutional facility inspections due to having just three fully trained inspectors. Hospital Fight in Court: The governor’s authority to establish hospitals is headed back to the Guam Supreme Court after a District Court decision found the AG’s attempt to move the case to federal court was invalid, with attorney’s fees awarded against the AG. Medical Board Discipline: A Guam Board of Medical Examiners complaint tied to the 2018 death of a child has been closed, with the physician facing a public reprimand and required training—while the family criticized the long wait and lack of written updates. Mental Health in Corrections: A man held on a homicide case is seeking release or transfer to Post 7, a DOC mental health facility, as his legal team raises concerns about his mental status while he remains in jail. SNAP Oversight Push: A federal move would require states to report SNAP fraud data to USDA for a national summary—an issue that directly affects Guam’s welfare operations and compliance workload.

DPHSS Centralization & SNAP Surge: Guam’s Department of Public Health and Social Services is moving divisions into new commercial leases, including General Administration to ParkPlace and Public Welfare to a University Castle Mall lease, while the Public Health Laboratory stays put until a Mangilao facility opens in August, as the agency also faces a major operational lift tied to expiring federal welfare waivers. Food Safety Staffing Strain: Environmental Health says only three trained inspectors are handling high-risk facility checks, completing about half of required inspections for Category 4 food and institutional sites, raising safety concerns. Hospital Fight in Court: A District Court decision remands the governor’s hospital authority case back to the Guam Supreme Court and awards attorney’s fees against the AG, as the dispute over federal hospital funding continues. Mental Health in Corrections: A man held on a 2021 homicide case involving a Guam Memorial Hospital radiologist is seeking release or transfer to Post 7, the DOC mental health facility. Public Health Oversight: Guam’s Board of Medical Examiners closed a long-running complaint after a 2018 child death, issuing a public reprimand and requiring additional training for the physician. Fraud & SNAP Policy: A new U.S. bill would require states to report SNAP fraud data to USDA, amid ongoing privacy and enforcement tensions. Disaster & Health Access: The U.S. approved an initial $8 million disaster relief package for the Federated States of Micronesia after Typhoon Sinlaku, including support for damaged health facilities and urgent needs.

SNAP Fraud Reporting Act: U.S. Sen. Rick Scott introduced a bill that would require states to report Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program fraud data to USDA, including case counts, dollar amounts, enforcement actions, and recoveries—aimed at building a national fraud picture for Congress amid ongoing privacy and enforcement disputes. Guam Health Oversight: Guam’s DPHSS says only three fully trained inspectors are handling high-risk facility checks, completing about half of required Category 4 food and institutional inspections, raising alarms about food safety and compliance. Hospital Legal Fight: A Guam court remanded the governor’s hospital authority case back to the Guam Supreme Court, while attorney’s fees were awarded against the AG—keeping the Mangilao hospital dispute in motion. Behavioral Health Lifeline: Guam’s 988 Lifeline and Mobile Crisis Response Team highlighted how co-located crisis response can de-escalate urgent calls and divert people from emergency rooms. Public Health Enforcement: DPHSS is investigating violations of Guam’s banned, coral-hurting sunscreen rules and says it’s working with Customs to stop misbranded/adulterated products at ports of entry. Federal Health Funding: Del. James Moylan says the FY2027 Agriculture Appropriations bill passed the House and includes proposed funding for Guam Memorial Hospital upgrades and emergency response and forensic lab improvements. Healthcare Workforce Policy: Speaker Frank Blas Jr. and Vice Speaker Tony Ada proposed freezing certain hiring and pay increases, while Acting Gov. Tenorio argues it conflicts with prior AG opinions on executive staffing authority. Local Care Costs: An opinion piece argues Guam’s tax structure stacks multiple layers on healthcare services and also taxes food and medicine, pushing up costs for residents.

Court & Health: A murder case involving Maurice Dafrance Montgomery continued behind closed doors at Superior Court as the judge said “health issues” would be discussed; Montgomery is charged in the July 2025 death of an 85-year-old woman in Dededo and was later found walking naked after a Route 16 crash. Public Health Oversight: Guam’s DPHSS says only three fully trained inspectors are handling high-risk facility checks, completing about half of required Category 4 food and institutional inspections. Hospital Legal Fight: The District Court remanded the governor’s authority to establish hospitals case back to the Guam Supreme Court, while awarding attorney’s fees against the AG; AG Douglas Moylan says he’ll keep fighting to prevent repayment of more than $100 million in federal funds tied to the Mangilao hospital project. Mental Health Access: Guam’s 988 Lifeline and Mobile Crisis Response Team highlighted how co-located crisis services can divert people from emergency rooms and de-escalate high-risk situations. Communicable Disease: Public Health confirmed another lab-confirmed whooping cough case, bringing Guam’s total to 17 this year, with several hospitalizations and links identified. Food Safety & Environment: Public Health is investigating violations of Guam’s banned coral-hurting sunscreen chemicals, working with customs to stop misbranded products at ports and pursue fines. Health Funding Watch: Guam may see more than $5 million in proposed federal investments, including structural stabilization and emergency access work at Guam Memorial Hospital’s Z-wing. Disaster Context: After a 7.8 quake in the Philippines triggered tsunami warnings across the region including Guam, local officials urged preparedness as hospitals and schools reported damage.

FBI Fraud Alert: FBI Director Kash Patel urged Americans to help track down alleged fraudsters on an updated “Most Wanted” list, including cases tied to healthcare fraud and losses in the tens of millions to more than $1 billion. Mental Health Access: Guam’s 988 Lifeline and Mobile Crisis Response Team highlighted how co-located crisis support can de-escalate emergencies and divert people from emergency rooms. Hospital Accountability: Guam Board of Medical Examiners disciplinary action in a 2018 child death complaint left the family frustrated after years without written updates. Behavioral Health in Corrections: A man charged in a 2021 homicide sought release or transfer to the Mangilao mental health annex while competency and understanding of proceedings remain in question. Public Health—Pertussis: Guam confirmed one new lab-confirmed whooping cough case, bringing the total to 17 for the year, with several hospitalizations. Public Health—Sunscreen Ban: Public Health is investigating violations of Guam’s banned coral-hurting sunscreen chemicals, coordinating with customs for enforcement. Local Health Funding: AG Douglas Moylan said he’ll fight to prevent Guam from repaying over $100 million tied to the Mangilao hospital project as mediation approaches. Healthcare Infrastructure Funding: Rep. James Moylan said the U.S. House passed a bill that could send millions for Guam Memorial Hospital upgrades and emergency response and forensic lab improvements. Disaster Context: A major earthquake in the Philippines damaged hospitals and triggered tsunami warnings across parts of Asia, underscoring regional emergency readiness.

Disaster Relief for Health Systems: The U.S. approved an initial $8 million disaster package for the Federated States of Micronesia after Super Typhoon Sinlaku, with FEMA funding and State Department coordination under the Compact of Free Association—aimed at urgent needs, including damage to health facilities and widespread outages in Chuuk. Mental Health Crisis Response: Guam’s 988 Lifeline and the Mobile Crisis Response Team were highlighted during a Behavioral Health oversight hearing, with officials saying co-located services helped de-escalate high-risk calls and divert people from ERs. Public Health Enforcement: Guam Public Health is investigating violations of the ban on coral-hurting sunscreen chemicals (oxybenzone, octinoxate, octocrylene), working with Customs to stop misbranded products at ports and pursue fines. Hospital Infrastructure Funding: Guam could receive more than $5 million in new federal investments, including $1.76 million for stabilization and emergency access restoration at Guam Memorial Hospital. Infectious Disease Watch: Public Health confirmed another lab-confirmed pertussis case, bringing Guam to 17 confirmed cases this year, with hospitalizations reported. Care Options Policy: A bill would create a framework for assisted living residences and community-based care, with DPHS oversight, licensing, and resident protections. Care Workforce & Student Supports: New laws signed by Gov. Leon Guerrero expand school psychologist licensure and allow spending on school facility improvements, tying directly to student mental health and campus upgrades. Disaster Recovery Updates (Region): CNMI recovery progress continues, including power and water restoration milestones after the typhoon. Assisted Living & Continuum of Care: The assisted living measure adds to Guam’s broader push for a stronger continuum between independent living and nursing homes.

Behavioral Health Crisis Response: Guam’s 988 Lifeline and the Mobile Crisis Response Team highlighted how co-located crisis care can de-escalate emergencies and divert people from ERs, including cases where callers were on a cliff or on a high-rise edge. Public Health Watch: Guam confirmed another whooping cough case, bringing the total to 17 for 2026, with officials urging vaccination early since immunity takes 1–2 weeks to build. Mental Health Funding Pressure: Guam’s mental health “safety net” faces a federal funding crisis, raising concerns for crisis services and treatment capacity. School Mental Health & Facilities: Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero signed laws to strengthen school psychologist licensure and allow spending of lapsed funds for campus and typhoon recovery improvements. Care Options for Seniors/Disabilities: A bill would create assisted living residences and community-based care options, with licensing and oversight through DPHSS. Assisted Living vs Detention: Youth Affairs leaders said community-based programs and mental health services are a better fit than expanding youth detention, as admissions have declined. Disaster & Health Infrastructure: A major Philippines earthquake damaged St. Elizabeth Hospital in General Santos, forcing evacuations and temporary operations outside the main building. Local Health & Safety Standards: A new tourism-zone property maintenance law adds health, sanitation, and fire-safety standards for H-zone properties. Medicare Fraud Reminder: Medicare Fraud Prevention Week urged residents to review benefit notices and report suspicious billing or calls. SNAP Food Loss Notices: DPHSS said disapproval notices for the Food Loss Affidavit program will be mailed after additional review steps.