For Immediate Release

September 27, 2016; 3:55pm

DPHSS Release No. 2016-078

October 2016: Breast Cancer Awareness Proclamation Signing

The Department of Public Health and Social Services Guam Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program and the Guam Comprehensive Cancer Control Program, in partnership with the Cancer Control Coalition, Non-Communicable Disease Consortium, Guam Cancer Care, American Cancer Society, TakeCare Insurance and other community partners will be hosting the 2016 Breast Cancer Awareness Month Proclamation Signing Event on Friday, October 7, 2016 from 2:00 pm to 3: 00 pm at the Tamuning Senior Citizens Center.

This year marks the 32^nd anniversary of designating October as the National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The aim of this celebration is to create awareness and promote mammography as the most effective weapon in the fight against breast cancer. The theme for this year’s celebration is “ Fight Strong, Fight Together”.

For more information, please contact Ms. Rachel Ramirez at 735-0675 or via email at Rachel.ramirez@dphss.guam.gov, or Vivian Pareja at 735-0670 or via email at Vivian.pareja@dphss.guam.gov

For Immediate Release

September 23, 2016; 11:00am

DPHSS Release No. 2016-077

Guam Comprehensive Cancer Control seeks Cancer Awards Nominations

The Department of Public Health and Social Services, in partnership with the Guam Comprehensive Cancer Control Coalition (CCC) is seeking nominations from the community for the Remi H. Pangant Spirit of Life Award and the Spirit of Collaboration Award. Nominees don not have to be members of the CCC Coalition.

The Remi H. Pangant Spirit of Life Award is presented to a cancer survivor, caregiver, or other individual for his/her encouragement in fighting cancer, dedication to promoting public awareness of cancer survivorship issues and improving the quality of life for cancer survivors, caregivers, and their families.

The Spirit of Collaboration Award is presented to organizations that demonstrate exemplary collaborative efforts in the fight against cancer. Collaboration is defined as the act of working together to achieve a particular goal or objective. Collaboration can occur within one organization (between two or more programs or services) or it can be between two or more different organizations.

For application forms, please contact Mr. Lawrence Alam at 735-7335 or at Lawrence.alam@dphss.guam.gov or Ms. Vivian Pareja at 735-0670 or at Vivian.pareja@dphss.guam.gov

Applications can also be downloaded from the Department of Public Health and Social Services website at http://www.dphss.guam.gov

The deadline to submit application forms is on October 31, 2016 at 5:00pm.

For Immediate Release

September 16, 2016; 2:30pm

DPHSS Release No. 2016-076

Prevent the spread of Influenza (Flu

The Department of Public Health and Social Services (DPHSS) would like to remind everyone that the influenza or flu season is once again upon us and encourages all to take precautions and be proactive to prevent the spread of flu.

What is Influenza (Flu)?

The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and lungs. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death.

Signs and Symptoms of the Flu

People who have the flu often feel some or all of these signs and symptoms:

• Fever or feeling feverish/chills
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Headaches
• Fatigue (very tired)

Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children that adults.

How is Flu spread?

Most experts believe that flu viruses spread mainly by droplets made when people with flu cough, sneeze or talk. Theses droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby. Less often, a person might also get flu by touching a surface or object that has flu virus on it and then touching their own mouth, eyes or possibly their nose.

What should I do to protect myself and my family from the flu?

The best way to prevent the flu is by getting the flu vaccine each year. More importantly you can take everyday precautions like staying away from sick people, washing your hands to reduce the spread of germs, use disposable tissue to cover your cough and sneeze. If you or a family member is sick, you may want to stay home from work or school to prevent spreading the flu to others.

Who should receive the flu vaccine?

Because the flu viruses circulating in the community frequently change, everyone should get their annual flu shot as soon as it is available. This is especially important for persons at high risk of developing serious flu-related complications including children younger than 2 years of age, adults 65 and older, pregnant women, and individuals with certain medical conditions such as persons with diabetes, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heart disease, kidney or liver disorders, those residing in long term care facilities, cancer patients, and those with weakened immune system caused by HIV or AIDS.

REMEMBER that the power to stop the flu starts with you! For more information, speak with your health care provider, visit www.cdc.gov/flu, or call the DPHSS Immunization Program at 735-7143.

For Immediate Release

September 13, 2016; 2:15pm

DPHSS Release No. 2016-075

Guam Environmental Public Health Education Fair for the 1^st Annual Guam Environmental Public Health Education Month 2016

The Division of Environmental Health (DEH) of the Department of Public Health and Social Services (DPHSS) in partnership with the Environmental Public Health Association (EPHA) will be celebrating the 1^st Annual Guam Environmental Public Health Education Month (GEPHEM) 2016 this September.  The annual GEPHEM replaces the previously-held Guam Food Safety Education Month, which DEH spearheaded for the last ten years to educate the community on preventing foodborne diseases.  This change was made to highlight all the environmental health programs of the Division, not just food safety.  Every year, DEH will highlight one environmental health program during the month of September for public awareness and education.

With the construction of the new Guam Environmental Public Health Laboratory, also known informally as the mosquito lab, coupled with the heightened concerns about the Zika virus that is infecting many around the world through bites of infected Aedes mosquitoes, the 2016 GEPHEM will focus on mosquito bite prevention and control.  Our goal is to educate the public about mosquito biology and anatomy, bite prevention, control, mosquito-borne diseases, common predators, and identification and elimination of breeding sites.  This year’s GEPHEM theme is Fight the Bite! 

In celebrating our 1^st Annual GEPHEM 2016, DEH will be sponsoring a mosquito control and education fair for the public at the Micronesia Mall’s Center Court on Saturday, September 24, 2016, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.  There will be great entertainment and numerous displays.  Come join the fun at this worthy event!

For further information, please contact the Division of Environmental Health at 735-7221.

For Immediate Release

September 13, 2016; 2:10pm

DPHSS Release No. 2016-074

Mosquito Control and Prevention during Rainy Season

The Department of Public Health and Social Services would like to remind the public that eliminating mosquito breeding sites is a simple and proven method to control the mosquito population on Guam.  The rainy season provides opportunities for water to accumulate, and standing water serves as a breeding site for mosquitoes to lay their eggs.  Mosquito-borne diseases such as Dengue Fever, malaria, Chikungunya, and Zika Virus infections can be transmitted by mosquitoes.

The Aedes mosquito, a container-breeding mosquito, is found on Guam and is known to transmit many mosquito-borne diseases.  These mosquitoes are aggressive daytime biters and can also bite at night.  The public is advised to remove standing water to prevent them from propagating by:

• Cleaning up all debris, especially those that can hold water;
• Disposing loose tires;
• Cleaning pet water dishes regularly;
• Cleaning, emptying, and properly screening or covering containers used to store water;
• Clearing roof gutters of debris;
• Properly disposing all bottles, cans, buckets, and other containers that can collect water;
• Properly storing equipment and household items, such as children’s swimming pools and tarps out of the rain;
• Filling tree holes and potholes with sand;
• Repairing leaky outdoor faucets;
• Changing the water frequently in flower vases and other containers that routinely contain water; and
• Flushing out the leaf bases of bromeliads (an ornamental plant related to the pineapple) where water frequently collects.

In addition, the public is also advised to wear light-colored, loose fitting clothing during outdoor activities as mosquitoes are attracted to dark colors.  When practical, wear long-sleeves and pants when going outdoors.  Proper application of mosquito repellents that contain 20% to 30% DEET as the active ingredient on exposed skin and clothing decreases the risk of being bitten by mosquitoes.

Guam has no endemic mosquito-borne diseases; however, there are about 20 species of mosquitoes on island that can transmit these diseases.  Our community must remain vigilant in preventing the introduction and spread of mosquito-borne diseases by eliminating mosquito breeding sites and preventing mosquito bites.

For any questions, please contact the Mosquito Surveillance and Control Program of the Division of Environmental Health of this Department at 735-7221.

For Immediate Release

September 13, 2016; 8:30am

DPHSS Release No. 2016-073

No Wrong Door (NWD) 3-Year Implementation Plan

The Department of Public Health and Social Services, Division of Senior Citizens will be closed from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 13, 2016 to coordinate, present and participate in the No Wrong Door (NWD) 3-Year Implementation Plan briefing with NWD partners and key stakeholders.

On September 2014, the Department of Public Health and Social Services, Division of Senior Citizens (DPHSS/DSC) was awarded a $100,000 planning grant from the Administration for Community Living to develop a comprehensive 3-Year Plan to implement a No Wrong Door (NWD) system to address the informational and referral needs of individuals that require long term services and supports (LTSS).  The Plan is near completion and partner organizations and stakeholders will meet on this day to provide final comments on the Plan, to preview the NWD video that will be used to educate the community on NWD, and to network with participating NWD partner staff and stakeholders.  The NWD Plan will provide the activities that would enable the streamlined access of information and referrals for people of all ages, disabilities and income levels who need long-term services and supports.  

At the forefront, four (4) key partners are engaged to plan, develop and implement NWD on Guam: DPHSS/Division of Senior Citizens; DPHSS/Bureau of Health Care Financing (Medicaid) with the Bureau of Economic Security; the Department of Integrated Services for Individuals with Disabilities (DISID), and the Guam Behavioral Health and Wellness Center (GBHWC).

Questions shall be directed to Mrs. Geraldine T. Gumataotao, NWD Coordinator or Ms. Ginger Porter, NWD Consultant at 735-7421.  Thank you for your understanding and support as we work towards improving our services for those in need of long term services and supports. 

For Immediate Release

September 7, 2016; 12:10pm

DPHSS Release No. 2016-072

Celebrate Life! Cancer Survivors Conference

The Department of Public Health and Social Services’ Guam Comprehensive Cancer Control Program, in partnership with the Guam Comprehensive Cancer Control Coalition (CCC), is hosting the “Celebrate Life!” Cancer Survivors Conference on Saturday, September 24, 2016 from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm at the Chamorro Ballroom, Pacific Star Resort & Spa.

The conference is free and open to all cancer survivors, caregivers, and family members interested in cancer survivorship. The phrase “cancer survivorship” was created to acknowledge the broad experience of a cancer diagnosis and the conference is intended for all those living with, through and beyond a cancer diagnosis. The agenda includes the following topics: “Tools of Empowerment” (Delores J.U. Lee, MD); “Choosing Hope: Navigating Your Survivorship Journey with Purpose” (D. Jared Ivie, MSW);  “Stories From My Bathroom Reading Materials” (Jerry and Anna Teresa Indalecio Eustaquio); “Art Therapy: Painting Your Story” (Arlene Diaz, PhD); “Nutrition: Everyday Choices” (Tanisha Franquez Aflague, PhD, RDN, LD); “Zumba” (Kevin Taitague); “Mindful Stretching” (Melvin Brillantes); “Art Therapy: Stamping Your Journey” (Antoinette Okada); and “Crafting Your Story Through Photography” (Alissa Eclavea).

For more information or to register for this conference, please contact Ms. Vivian Pareja at 735-0670 or via email at vivian.pareja@dphss.guam.gov. Deadline to register is on or before September 19, 2016. Seating is limited. 

For Immediate Release

September 7, 2016; 10:45am

DPHSS Release No. 2016-071

Operations Notice for the DPHSS Mangilao Facility

The Department of Public Health and Social Services would like to inform the public that effectively immediately, and until further notice, the Mangilao facility will cease operations upon island power failure.  Normal operations will resume when island power to the Mangilao facility is restored.

The DPHSS Mangilao facility’s back-up power generator has encountered mechanical issues and has become inoperable until repairs are complete.

We apologize for any inconvenience and delay this may cause to those affected. For information and inquiries, please call the department at 735-7102.