For Immediate Release

September 25, 2017; 2:40pm

DPHSS Release No. 2017-084

Senior Citizens Services

The Department of Public Health and Social Services, Division of Senior Citizens would like to advise the clients, families and caregivers of the Adult Day Care, Case Management and In-Home Services programs, that the Department has agreements in place with Catholic Social Service to continue the provision of services for the period of October 1, 2017 through December 31, 2017 for the three programs, with an option to extend for an additional three months if necessary.

The monthly extensions provide for program services to continue while contracts for Fiscal Year 2018 are being negotiated and finalized.  As these services are in their initial year of engagement, it is through the monthly extensions of the existing agreements that we are able to ensure services continue.  The plan for the continuation of services for up to six months was an option added as 2018 service agreements will not be registered by October 1, 2017, the first day of Fiscal Year 2018, and that would have resulted in a disruption of services.  The existing contracts provide the monthly extensions which provide us with a practical and reasonable option to ensure the provision of services.

It has always been the Department’s intent to ensure that services to our seniors, their families and caregivers are not interrupted and we thank Catholic Social Service for their continued partnership to ensure the uninterrupted provision of home and community based services.

For Immediate Release

September 21, 2017; 5:05pm

DPHSS Release No. 2017-083

Adult Day Care, Case Management Services, and In-Home Services

Each year, the Department of Public Health and Social Services negotiates with Catholic Social Service for the Adult Day Care, Case Management Services, and In-Home Services continue into Fiscal Year 2018. 

The department and the non-profit organization are currently in the negotiation phase at this point. Public Health does not anticipate any interruption in these services.

Each of these agreements with our department and Catholic Social Service has the provision for monthly extension for services past September 30, 2017.

The department’s Division of Senior Citizens will be meeting with CSS to start discussions on the extension of agreements to ensure services to our seniors, their families and caregivers continue on.  The monthly extensions will be for October 1 through December 31, 2017.

The discussions to engage contracts for the next service fiscal year are annual procedural steps taken by the department with many of our contracted providers.

We express our gratitude to CSS for being our partner in providing home and community based services to and for our seniors, their families and caregivers for many years.

We want to assure our community, that the department is committed to ensuring services continue without disruption in services. 

For more information, contact the Division of Senior Citizens at tel. nos. 735-7415/21.

For Immediate Release

September 21, 2017; 4:35pm

DPHSS Release No. 2017-082

Influenza Epidemic Hits Guam

Based on the most recent available data from cooperating medical laboratories, the Department of Public Health and Social Services (DPHSS) is declaring the onset of a Type A influenza epidemic on Guam. This is not entirely unexpected as Guam frequently experiences an increase of influenza illnesses soon after the start of each new school year.                        

What is Influenza (Flu)?

The flu is a very contagious respiratory illness caused by viruses that infect the nose, throat, and lungs.  It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death, especially in persons who have chronic disease problems. 

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
• Muscle or body aches
• Headaches
• Fatigue (feeling very tired)
• Vomiting and diarrhea (more common in children)

How Flu Spread

Most experts believe that flu viruses spread mainly by droplets made when people with flu cough, sneeze, or talk.  These 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 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.  Equally important is to take everyday precautions such as staying away from people who are sick, washing hands frequently to reduce the spread of germs, using disposable tissue to cover the mouth when coughing or sneezing, and coughing into your elbow area.  If you have flu symptoms, you should 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 two years of age
• Adults 65 and older
• Pregnant women
• Cancer patients
• Individuals with certain medical conditions such as diabetes, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heart disease, kidney or liver disorders
• Individuals residing in long term care facilities
• Individuals with weakened immune systems (i.e. HIV or AIDS).

REMEMBER that the power to stop the flu starts with you! 

For more information, speak with your primary health care provider, visit www.cdc.gov/flu, or call the DPHSS Immunization Program at 735-7143.

1) RFP Announcement

2) RFP Specifications

3) RFP Registration Form

The Department of Public Health and Social Services (DPHSS), Division of Senior Citizens (DSC), is requesting proposals from qualified organizations for the following program service:

RFP/DPHSS-­­­­ 2017-011                IN-HOME SERVICES (IHS) PROGRAM

Project funding provided by the United States Department of Health & Human Services, Administration for Community Living, Adult Day Care Services Program.  Grant Document Numbers 17AAGUT3SS and 18AAGUT3SS and Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number 93.044 Title III- B under Title 45 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 92 and local Government of Guam Funds.

The purpose of the In-Home Services Program is to provide assistance to frail individuals who are at risk of institutionalization due to limitations on their ability to function independently and to provide support services to caregivers.  Services are provided through this program to individuals age 60 or older, in their homes.  These services include Chore, Homemaker and Personal Care.

RFP Program Specifications are available for public viewing, may be picked up at the DPHSS, DSC, located at 130 University Drive, Suite 8 University Castle Mall, Mangilao, beginning Friday, September 22, 2017 at 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Chamorro Standard Time (Guam Time) and is downloadable at www.dphss.guam.gov in a pdf format. DPHSS, DSC recommends that prospective offerors/respondents register with the DPHSS, DSC to ensure that they receive notices regarding any changes or updates to the RFP.  The DPHSS, DSC shall not be liable for failure to provide notice to any party who does not register contact information.  All inquiries, clarifications or questions must be submitted in writing no later than 3:00 p.m., Chamorro Standard Time (Guam Time), Friday, October 6, 2017.  Contact person: Ms. Charlene D. San Nicolas, Program Coordinator. Telephone: 735-7421 or 735-7415. Interested offerors shall submit proposals to: Division of Senior Citizens, Attention: Mr. Arthur U. San Agustin, MHR, Senior Citizens Administrator, 130 University Drive, Suite 8, University Castle Mall, Mangilao, no later than 3:00 p.m., Monday, October 16, 2017.  Late submissions shall not be evaluated.

Press Release No. 2017-081

Attention: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Recipients

The Department of Public Health and Social Services would like to inform SNAP recipients that effective October 1, 2017 to September 30, 2018, the maximum SNAP allotment slightly decreased as shown below.  This information is based on Food and Nutrition Service’s Administrative Notice Number 17-30 issued on August 1, 2017.

Household Size                                          Maximum SNAP Allotment                                   Amount of Decrease

                                                                      FY2017             FY2018

1                                                                       $287                  $283                                                      $4

2                                                                       $526                  $519                                                      $7

3                                                                       $753                  $743                                                     $10

4                                                                       $957                  $944                                                     $13

5                                                                      $1136                $1121                                                    $15

6                                                                      $1364                $1345                                                   $19

7                                                                      $1507                $1487                                                   $20

8                                                                      $1723                $1699                                                   $24

9                                                                      $1938                $1911                                                   $27

10                                                                    $2153                $2123                                                   $30

11                                                                    $2368                $2335                                                   $33

12                                                                    $2583                $2547                                                   $36

13                                                                    $2798                $2759                                                   $39

14                                                                    $3013                $2971                                                   $42

15                                                                    $3228                $3183                                                   $45

Each Additional Member                                $215                  $212

For more information, please call the following numbers: 735-7245/7274 (Central), 828-7542 (Southern) and 635-7488 (Northern) or visit your respective center.

Press Release No. 2017-080

TB Screening Continues at DPHSS for Contacts to Active TB Case

As of September 14^th, TB screening of babies and their parents identified as contacts to the active case of tuberculosis (TB) diagnosed in an employee of Guam Memorial Hospital Authority (GMHA) who worked in the Nursery, has transitioned from GMHA to the Department of Public Health and Social Services (DPHSS).

To ensure continuity of care for these babies following the transition from GMHA to DPHSS, the following is a list of instructions to parents of the babies:

1. For medication refill, please contact your baby’s primary pediatrician or the Northern Region Community Health Center at 635-4410/7400 or the Southern Region Community Health Center at 828-7516/7517.
2. Refill your baby’s medication on time before it runs out.
   • Isoniazid (INH) preventive treatment for TB is recommended
3. If you have not done so, ensure you schedule a follow-up appointment to monitor for signs or symptoms of TB disease.  Signs and symptoms of active TB in an infant include:
   • Cough;
   • Feelings of sickness or weakness, lethargy, and/or reduced playfulness;
   • Weight loss or failure to thrive;
   • Fever; and/or
   • Night sweats.

1. Babies should obtain TB skin tests at 6 months of age.
   • If the PPD skin test result is negative, then preventative treatment can be stopped
   • If the PPD skin test is positive, continued preventive treatment for TB is recommended for a total of 9 months

Letters have been sent by DPHSS to parents of babies identified as contacts whose telephone numbers were either not in service or otherwise could not be reached by telephone. DPHSS will continue to attempt to cross check other internal systems to get updated information to contact the parent, if available. For those babies who have not yet undergone the initial TB screening, please contact the TB Control Program at 735-7131 or 735-7145.  We do not want anyone to be missed.

Many individuals continue to have concerns regarding the risk of getting TB. Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacteria causing tuberculosis, is carried through the air in infectious droplet nuclei too small for the naked eye (small air-borne particles less than 5 microns in size) which is produced when persons with tuberculosis of the lung or larynx sneeze, cough, speak or sing.  People cannot get infected with TB bacteria through handshakes, sitting on toilet seats, or sharing dishes and utensils with someone who has TB disease.

Children are less likely to spread TB bacteria to others because TB disease most commonly seen in children is usually less infectious than TB disease in adults.  Additionally, a child’s cough is not strong enough to spread the droplets into the air.

Please call DPHSS at 735-7131/7145/7154 for more information and to verify if your baby was listed as a TB contact.  Information about TB is available at www.cdc.gov/tb .

For Immediate Release

September 15, 2017; 4:00pm

DPHSS Release No. 2017-079

Outbreak of Mumps in the Region

The Department of Public Health and Social Services (DPHSS) continues to monitor the on-going mumps outbreak in Hawaii.  In the latest reports received by the DPHSS, the Hawaii State Department of Health reported that there have been 332 cases of mumps in 2017.   Case count by island: 290 on Oahu; 29 on Kauai; 12 on Hawaii; and 1 on Maui.   The disease has been confirmed in children and adults, both vaccinated and unvaccinated.  Approximately half of cases have been in adults aged 18 years and older.

Mumps is currently circulating not only in Hawaii, but also nationwide and in other international areas.  The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) webpage at: (https://www.cdc.gov/mumps/outbreaks.html) shows many mumps outbreaks and clusters, some of which have been on-going since last year. 

Mumps is a disease caused by the mumps virus and is characterized by fever, swelling, and pain/tenderness of the parotid glands and or the salivary glands.  Mumps is best known for the swelling of the cheeks and jaw.  Up to half of the people who get mumps have very mild or no symptoms.  Symptoms typically appear 16-18 days after infection, but this period can range from 12-25 days after infection.

Stay safe when traveling

The DPHSS recommends that persons traveling to Hawaii or areas with on-going outbreaks or clusters, ensure they are vaccinated for mumps (given in combination with the measles and rubella vaccines) 2 weeks before departing.  With frequent travel of residents between Guam and Hawaii, it is possible that the disease may be brought here. 

Prevent the spread of mumps in our community

• Ensure you and your family are fully vaccinated with the MMR vaccine.
  • All children should receive two doses of MMR vaccine, with the first dose given at age 12–15 months and the second dose at 4–6 years of age.
  • All persons born during or after 1957 should have documentation of at least one dose of MMR vaccine given on or after the first birthday.

• Persons suspected or diagnosed with mumps should self-isolate and avoid going out and exposing others for 9 days after onset of parotitis (swelling of the salivary glands).
• Person who have been exposed to mumps and are not vaccinated should not attend school, work, or travel from day 12 through day 25 after exposure.

All health care providers on Guam are urged to be on alert for possible cases of mumps and to promptly report suspect cases to the Immunization Program, Bureau of Communicable Disease Control, at 735-7143/7148 or 735-7135.  Furthermore, all health care providers are urged to review and update the immunization status of all patients they see.  If vaccination is contraindicated because of illness, schedule a follow-up appointment to update vaccination as soon as the illness is over.

For more information, please call the DPHSS Immunization Program at 735-7143.

For Immediate Release

September 12, 2017; 9:30am

DPHSS Release No. 2017-078

First Time Lymphedema Management will be Featured on Guam at the 2017 Breast Cancer Conference: “Unmasking Breast Cancer; Sharing Wisdom & Resources”

In recognition of October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Department of Public Health and Social Services’ Guam Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (GBCCEDP) will be hosting the 2017 Breast Cancer Conference: “Unmasking Breast Cancer; Sharing Wisdom & Resources on Friday, October 20, 2017 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with the location to be announced.

 The conference is open to all healthcare professionals, breast cancer patients, survivors, caregivers, and their families.

 Health providers, women and their families will be able to learn more about the common signs and symptoms of breast cancer, types of breast cancers, understanding their pathology, treatment options, coping and management. For the first time, Lymphedema Management will be discussed on Guam by Jason Francis L. Roxas, R.N., C.L.T. (USA), Affiliate Consultant at the St. Luke’s Medical Center, Global City, Philippines. Lymphedema refers to swelling that generally occurs in arms or legs. Lymphedema is most commonly caused by the removal of or damage to the lymph nodes as a part of cancer treatment. It results from a blockage in the lymphatic system, which is part of the immune system. The blockage prevents lymph fluid from draining well, and the fluid buildup that leads to swelling. There's no cure for lymphedema, but it can be managed with early diagnosis and diligent care of the affected limb. Mr. Roxas will cover the basic understanding of the physiology and pathophysiology of the lymphatic system, determine the different diagnosis of lymphedema, and the overview of the treatment modalities for treating breast cancer-related lymphedema.

 GNA has given an approval of seven (7) contact hours for the conference. If you are seeking continuing education credits, the fee for non-GNA members is $35 ($5 per credit) while members are free. Payment can be made onsite. Please make check payable to the Guam Nurses Association. AAFP credits have been applied for seven (7) CME units.

 Please see attached flyer for more information regarding the conference. Seating is limited!

 If you have any questions or comments, or if you wish to register, please contact Arlie F. Bonto at 735-0672 or arlie.bonto@dphss.guam.gov.  Deadline to register is Friday, October 13, 2017.