FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Guam Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Program
What is BRFSS?
Established in 1984 as a collaboration between the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state health departments, the BRFSS has grown to be the primary source of information on behaviors and conditions related to the leading causes of death for adults in the general population. It is the world’s largest on-going telephone health survey system and the exclusive source of state-specific population-based estimates among adults 18 years of age and older in Guam.
How is BRFSS data used?
It is used to analyze health trends, identify and address emerging health issues, develop policies and legislation, plan and measure the progress of prevention initiatives, find additional funding, garner program support, and create new programs.
I received a phone call from a representative claiming it is for the BRFSS survey, how can I be assured my answers are confidential?
Participation is strictly voluntary and personal information is not collected. If you get a call on behalf of the Department of Public Health and Social Services for the BRFSS survey, please answer and respond to help our communities live healthier.
Guam Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program
How can I obtain medical services for my breast and cervical cancer screening and diagnostic exams?
Women are eligible for services from the program if they:
- are 21 to 64 years of age; and
- have no insurance or are underinsured (having insurance that does not completely cover the cost of screening exams); and
- are documented residents of Guam; and
- meet income guidelines (250% Federal Poverty Guidelines)
Guam Comprehensive Cancer Control Program
How can I receive financial assistance for my cancer treatment?
The Guam Comprehensive Cancer Control Program is not a direct service program. The program works in collaboration with a network of public, private, and non-profit organizations as well as individuals to develop, enhance, and support cancer program and services. Brochures and informational sheets are available for download in this website to access who provides cancer information and resources directly to individuals. Please see the Guam Cancer Passport on this website.
Guam Diabetes Prevention and Control Program
I have just been diagnosed with diabetes, what should I do?
Whether you have been diagnosed with type 1 or type 2 diabetes, you can live a long and healthy life by eating healthily, attaining, and maintaining regular physical activity, and taking medications (if prescribed) to keep your blood glucose (sugar) in your target range.
Classes to manage chronic diseases and diabetes are available on island, such as the Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (CDSMP), the Diabetes Empowerment Education Program (DEEP), and the National Diabetes Prevention Program (NDPR). There are also private health clinics that offer classes to help manage your diabetes. You can also join the Guam Diabetes Association or get involved in the Guam Diabetes Control Coalition. For more information, please call the Guam Diabetes Prevention and Control Program at 735-7295 or 735-7289.
Guam Tobacco Prevention and Control Program
Where can I go to get help to quit smoking or using tobacco?
The Tobacco Free Guam Quitline is open 24-hours a day, seven days a week and offers tobacco cessation assistance to help you quit. You can call 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669) for more information and to register for Quit Coach counseling or by visiting www.quitnow.net/Guam. All calls are FREE and CONFIDENTIAL. In addition, a 4-week supply of nicotine replacement therapy aids, such as the nicotine gum or patch are available FREE of charge for eligible callers. For more information call the Department of Public Health and Social Services Tobacco Prevention and Control Program at 735-0671.
Guam Office of Minority Health
What is CLAS? How can I sign-up for the training?
Guam has a very rich and diverse multi-lingual and multi-cultural community. In order to make health and social services successful for service providers, the Guam Office of Minority Health (GOMH) offers Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate (CLAS) Trainings. These CLAS trainings help inform and guide service providers in being culturally and linguistically sensitive to their patients and clients. This, in turn, helps to significantly improve health and social services outcomes. As a result, an improved quality of living is realized throughout the communities served. For the next eight-hour training session, please contact the Bureau of Community Health Services at 735-7265 or GOMH Program at 638-7474.
Medical Social Services
What medical services are provided for women and adolescents?
Women and adolescents can be assisted with birth control, pap smears, pregnancy testing, prenatal care, postpartum care, and prenatal classes provided by the Maternal & Child Health Program (MCH).
Am I eligible?
Any woman or adolescent who lacks medical insurance and/or coverage and meets the established income guidelines set by the MCH Program is eligible.
How do I obtain services?
Potential patients must be screened by a Social Worker for eligibility for these services. The social workers are located in the Medical Social Services Office, Room 152, on the first floor of the Mangilao Public Health Facility, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
How do I obtain services?
These medical services are provided at the Central Region Community Health Center at the Mangilao Public Health Facility. Patients will be cared for by a Nurse Practitioner. For more information, please contact 735-7351 or 7356 or send an email to Diana.Santos@dphss.guam.gov