AGP Executive Report

Community Health Fundraising: Guam Memorial Hospital Volunteers Association has launched its 2026 “Harvest of Gratitude” Thanksgiving Raffle, with proceeds earmarked for 14 wheelchairs and a newborn auditory screening device to boost patient care and accessibility; tickets run Aug. 1 to Nov. 6, with the drawing set for Nov. 7 at Guam Premier Outlets. Nutrition & Public Health: World Breastfeeding Week (Aug. 1–7) spotlights supportive environments for new mothers, noting breastfeeding’s role in protecting infants from illness and lowering risks for mothers, and points to Guam’s Nåna Yan Påtgon Act (2013) promoting education and acceptance. Disaster Preparedness: Marianas emergency officials are urging businesses and leaders to prepare for a prolonged tropical cyclone season after Super Typhoon Bavi, citing heightened storm activity tied to a strong El Niño pattern. Healthy Children Initiative: The Children’s Healthy Living Center of Excellence marks 15 years of work improving childhood nutrition and health across Hawaiʻi, Guam, CNMI, and the Freely Associated States through community gardens, school food policy support, and family empowerment. Local Food Systems: Chuuk Lagoon’s agricultural community gathered for UOG’s sixth Farmer Focus Conference, using farm-stress survey results to tailor support for island-specific farming challenges.

Disaster Preparedness: After Super Typhoon Bavi hit the Marianas on July 6, emergency officials are urging businesses and public leaders to prepare for a longer tropical cyclone season, citing heightened storm activity linked to a strong El Niño pattern and noting the region’s earlier typhoon impacts. Storm Recovery & Health: Be Heartfelt is sending 2,400 hygiene kits to Rota to support children and families during recovery, with items like toothbrushes, soap, and shampoo aimed at protecting health when basic supplies are disrupted. Maternal & Child Health: World Breastfeeding Week (Aug. 1–7) highlights breastfeeding’s role in infant nutrition and illness protection, and points to Guam’s 2013 law promoting education and acceptance for nursing support. Community Nutrition: The Children’s Healthy Living Center of Excellence marks 15 years of work improving childhood nutrition and health across Hawaiʻi, Guam, CNMI, and other Micronesian communities through gardens, school food policy support, and family-led programs. Local Governance (Health Infrastructure): During Guam’s primary election, voters said they want a “new hospital” and stronger leadership to help the island’s economy and healthcare needs.

Disaster Preparedness: After Super Typhoon Bavi’s July 6 impacts on Rota and the Northern Marianas, emergency officials are urging Marianas businesses and leaders to prepare for a prolonged tropical cyclone season, with storm activity expected to run late into the year under strong El Niño conditions. Health Relief: Be Heartfelt is sending 2,400 hygiene kits to help children and families in Rota’s recovery, with items like soap, shampoo, toothpaste, and toothbrushes delivered through local partners. Maternal & Child Health: World Breastfeeding Week (Aug. 1–7) spotlights breastfeeding support for mothers at home, at work, and in public, noting benefits for infant nutrition and mother’s health. Community Nutrition: The Children’s Healthy Living Center of Excellence marks 15 years of work improving childhood nutrition and health across Hawaiʻi, Guam, CNMI, and other Pacific communities through gardens, school food policy support, and family-led activities. Local Health Access: Guam voters say they want a “new hospital,” echoing concerns about jobs, the economy, and healthcare needs highlighted during the primary election. Education & Health Careers: Academy of Our Lady of Guam graduate Madeleine “Maddy” Ada will study Nursing at Emmanuel College in Boston after a standout basketball career.

Disaster Relief: Be Heartfelt is sending 2,400 hygiene kits to Rota to support children and families still recovering from Super Typhoon Bavi, with items like toothbrushes, soap, and shampoo delivered through partners including Heart to Heart International and Ayuda Foundation. Maternal & Child Health: World Breastfeeding Week (Aug. 1–7) spotlights supportive environments for mothers, noting breastfeeding’s role in protecting infants from illness and supporting long-term health for both babies and parents. Community Nutrition & Wellness: The Children’s Healthy Living Center of Excellence marks 15 years of work improving childhood nutrition and health across Hawaiʻi, Guam, CNMI, and other Micronesian communities through community gardens, school food policy support, and hands-on family programs. Local Health Leadership: CNMI Supreme Court Chief Justice Alexandro C. Castro has filed for retention in the 2026 general election, with the retention process required under the Commonwealth Constitution. Public Health & Climate Risk: Marianas emergency officials warn businesses and leaders to prepare for a prolonged typhoon season tied to strong El Niño conditions after Typhoon Bavi’s impacts.

Disaster Preparedness: After Super Typhoon Bavi hit the Marianas on July 6, regional emergency officials are urging Marianas businesses and leaders to prepare for a prolonged tropical cyclone season, with heightened storm activity expected late into the year. Typhoon Recovery Aid: Be Heartfelt is sending 2,400 hygiene kits to Rota to support children and families recovering from Bavi, with items like soap, shampoo, and toothpaste delivered through partners including Heart to Heart International and Ayuda Foundation. Maternal & Infant Health: World Breastfeeding Week (Aug. 1–7) highlights the need for supportive environments for breastfeeding mothers, noting benefits for babies’ nutrition and illness protection and for mothers’ health. Child Nutrition in the Pacific: The Children’s Healthy Living Center of Excellence marks 15 years of work improving childhood nutrition and health across Hawaiʻi, Guam, CNMI, and other Micronesian communities through gardens, school food policy support, and community-led programs. Healthcare Access & Language: An audit in Oregon found correctional facilities aren’t meeting healthcare needs for people with limited English, calling for better language tracking and interpreter access during medical care. Local Health Leadership: CNMI Chief Justice Alexandro C. Castro has filed for retention in the 2026 general election, with the judiciary citing resilience through major public health and modernization challenges.

Disaster Relief: Be Heartfelt is sending 2,400 hygiene kits to Rota to support children and families still recovering from Super Typhoon Bavi, with items like toothbrushes, soap, shampoo and toothpaste delivered via partners including Heart to Heart International, Ayuda Foundation and Pacific Unlimited Trucking. Public Health & Parenting: World Breastfeeding Week (Aug. 1–7) spotlights supportive environments for new mothers, noting breastfeeding’s role in infant nutrition and illness protection, plus benefits for mothers’ health and mental wellbeing. Health Workforce & Education: Madeleine “Maddy” Ada, a Guam basketball standout, announced she will study Nursing at Emmanuel College in Boston—an encouraging reminder of local pathways into healthcare careers. Weather & Preparedness: Marianas emergency officials are urging businesses and leaders to prepare for a prolonged typhoon season after Bavi, citing heightened storm activity linked to strong El Niño conditions. Community Nutrition: The Children’s Healthy Living Center of Excellence marks 15 years of work improving childhood nutrition and health across Hawaiʻi, Guam, CNMI and Micronesia through community-led gardens and healthier school food policies. Health Access & Equity: A New York report warns that federal healthcare cuts left hundreds of thousands without coverage, with lawyers urging people to check eligibility and new options as impacts ripple through providers and patients.

Breastfeeding Support: World Breastfeeding Week (Aug. 1–7) spotlights supportive environments for new mothers, noting breastfeeding’s role in infant nutrition and illness protection, plus benefits for mothers’ recovery and long-term health. Typhoon Preparedness & Recovery: After Super Typhoon Bavi hit Guam and the Northern Marianas, emergency officials warn Marianas communities to prepare for a prolonged tropical cyclone season tied to strong El Niño conditions. Storm Relief for Rota: Be Heartfelt is sending 2,400 hygiene kits to children and families affected by Typhoon Bavi, with Heart to Heart International funding and Ayuda Foundation handling receiving and logistics. Telecom & Health Access: In the Federated States of Micronesia, ending a telecom monopoly has boosted internet access and cut broadband costs, improving connectivity across islands. Tobacco Control Training: The WHO Western Pacific Region’s tobacco control professionals are joining a 2026 webinar training program launched by the Department of Health’s Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office. Community Nutrition Work: The Children’s Healthy Living Center of Excellence marks 15 years of childhood nutrition and health partnerships across Hawaiʻi, Guam, and Micronesia. National Identity: Nauru has officially changed its name to Naoero, with the government saying the decision follows extensive discussions.

Telecom for health access in Micronesia: After FSM ended its telecom monopoly, internet access jumped about 20-fold and broadband costs fell from $65 per Mbps per month to about 78 cents, with 1,500+ km of undersea fiber and new satellite services helping remote islands connect. Disaster health support on Rota: Be Heartfelt is sending 2,400 hygiene kits to families recovering from Super Typhoon Bavi, including toothbrushes, soap, shampoo and toothpaste, with logistics support from Ayuda Foundation and transport by Pacific Unlimited Trucking. Child nutrition and wellness across the Pacific: The Children’s Healthy Living Center of Excellence marks 15 years of work improving childhood nutrition and health in Hawaiʻi, Alaska, American Samoa, Guam, CNMI and Micronesia through community gardens, school food policy support and family empowerment. Tobacco control training for the region: Palau’s and Micronesia-linked health professionals are among 900+ participants in a WHO Western Pacific tobacco control training launched by Hong Kong-based TACO, using monthly webinars through November. Healthcare policy warning (US): New York’s federal healthcare cuts left about 450,000 people losing the Essential Plan, with lawyers urging residents to check new coverage options quickly.

Telecom Access Boost for Micronesia: After the end of FSM’s telecom monopoly, internet access jumped about 20-fold and broadband costs fell from $65 per Mbps per month to about 78 cents, with 1,500+ km of undersea fiber and new satellite services expanding coverage. Disaster Health Support (Rota): Be Heartfelt is sending 2,400 hygiene kits to Rota as recovery continues after Typhoon Bavi, with items like soap, shampoo, and toothpaste delivered via partners including Heart to Heart International and Ayuda Foundation. Community Nutrition in the Pacific: The Children’s Healthy Living Center of Excellence marks 15 years of work improving childhood nutrition and health across Hawaiʻi, Alaska, American Samoa, Guam, CNMI, and Micronesia through community gardens, school food policy support, and family-led growing. Tobacco Control Training (WHO Western Pacific): Palau’s Department of Health Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office launched its 2026 tobacco control training for 900+ professionals across the region, using monthly webinars through November. Local Conservation with Health Links (Palau): PICRC is working with the Dmakeiukl Women’s Group on monitoring Palau’s Marine Protected Areas, blending community knowledge with research to support biodiversity and climate resilience. Healthcare Policy Watch (US): New York’s federal healthcare cuts left about 450,000 people without coverage after Essential Plan eligibility changes, raising alarms for providers and patients.

Telecom Access Boost for Micronesia: Federated States of Micronesia saw internet access jump about 20-fold and broadband costs fall about 99% after ending the government telecom monopoly, with competition and new undersea fiber helping reach roughly 88% of people. Disaster Health Support: After Super Typhoon Bavi, Be Heartfelt is sending 2,400 hygiene kits to Rota to support children and families with everyday essentials like soap, shampoo, and toothpaste. Tobacco Control Training: Palau’s and the wider WHO Western Pacific region’s tobacco control workforce got a boost as the Department of Health’s Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office launched its 2026 training programme, drawing 900+ professionals for monthly webinars. Child Nutrition & Wellness: The Children’s Healthy Living Center of Excellence marked 15 years of work improving childhood nutrition and health across Hawaiʻi, Guam, American Samoa, CNMI, and Micronesia through community gardens, school food policy support, and family-led activities. Healthcare Policy Watch: In the U.S., lawyers warn that federal healthcare cuts and Medicaid eligibility changes that began July 1 left about 450,000 New Yorkers without coverage, with many still struggling to find care. Community Safety & Care: A report highlights the need for better language access in Oregon correctional facilities so people with limited English can get proper healthcare and support.

Disaster Relief: Be Heartfelt is sending 2,400 hygiene kits to Rota to support children and families recovering from Super Typhoon Bavi, with items like toothbrushes, soap, and shampoo delivered via partners including Heart to Heart International, Ayuda Foundation, and Pacific Unlimited Trucking. Child Nutrition & Public Health: The Children’s Healthy Living Center of Excellence marks 15 years of work improving childhood nutrition and health across Hawaiʻi, Alaska, American Samoa, Guam, CNMI, and Micronesia through community gardens, school food policy support, and family-led growing programs. Tobacco Control Training: Palau’s Department of Health Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office launched its 2026 Tobacco Control Training Programme, running monthly webinars through November and drawing 900+ tobacco control professionals across the WHO Western Pacific Region, including Micronesia and Palau. Telecom & Access: In FSM, ending a telecom monopoly has boosted internet access and cut broadband costs dramatically, supporting better connectivity for remote islands—an indirect win for health services and information. Health Equity in Care: An Oregon audit found correctional facilities need stronger language access for people with limited English, including better tracking of languages and improved interpreter support for healthcare.

Guam Primary Election & Health Infrastructure: Voters in Guam say they’re voting “to make a change,” with one key hope being a long-promised new hospital as the island’s economy and jobs remain under pressure. Child Safety & Community Accountability: A disturbing case involving a local police sergeant charged in federal sex trafficking and unlawful enticement of a minor has renewed calls for adults to notice and act when something feels wrong. Typhoon Recovery (Rota) & Hygiene Access: Be Heartfelt is sending 2,400 hygiene kits to Rota after Super Typhoon Bavi, including toothbrushes, soap, shampoo and other essentials to protect health during recovery. Micronesia Health Promotion (Children’s Nutrition): The Children’s Healthy Living Center of Excellence marks 15 years of work improving childhood nutrition and family health across Hawaiʻi, Alaska, American Samoa, Guam, CNMI and Micronesia. Telecom & Health Connectivity (FSM): In the Federated States of Micronesia, ending a telecom monopoly has boosted internet access and cut broadband costs, improving connectivity for remote health and services. Tobacco Control Training (WHO Western Pacific): Palau’s TACO launched its 2026 tobacco control training with 900+ professionals joining monthly webinars across the region.

Primary Election Health Priorities (Guam): Voters in Guam’s primary say they want “to make a change,” with many pointing to jobs and the long-promised need for a new hospital as a key health and community issue. Child Safety & Accountability: A local police sergeant faces federal charges tied to alleged unlawful enticement and sex trafficking of a minor, raising alarms about how abuse can go unnoticed and the need for stronger protection for children. Disaster Health Support (Rota): Be Heartfelt is sending 2,400 hygiene kits to Rota after Super Typhoon Bavi, including soap, shampoo, and oral care items to help families recover and protect health. Public Health Nutrition (Pacific): The Children’s Healthy Living Center of Excellence marks 15 years of work improving childhood nutrition and family health across Hawaiʻi, Guam, and Micronesia through community gardens and school food policy support. Tobacco Control Training (WHO Western Pacific): Palau’s Department of Health Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office launched its 2026 tobacco control training with 900+ professionals joining monthly webinars. Access to Care for Language Needs (Oregon): An audit found Oregon correctional facilities are not meeting needs for people with limited English, urging better language tracking and interpreter access for healthcare. Telecom for Health Access (FSM): After ending a telecom monopoly, internet access across the Federated States of Micronesia surged and costs dropped sharply, improving connectivity that supports health services. Women’s Health & Marine Conservation (Palau): PICRC is working with the Dmakeiukl Women’s Group on monitoring Palau’s Marine Protected Areas, blending science and traditional knowledge to support healthier ecosystems.

Community Health & Access: Guam Regional Medical City marked 11 years with a “Steel Strong, Heart Driven” Health Fair at Micronesia Mall, offering free screenings like blood pressure and blood glucose, plus wellness info and immunization updates. Disaster Response: After Super Typhoon Bavi, Be Heartfelt is sending 2,400 hygiene kits to Rota to support children and families with essentials like soap, shampoo, and toothpaste. Tobacco Control Training: Palau’s Department of Health (TACO) launched its 2026 Tobacco Control Training Programme via webinars, with 900+ tobacco control professionals from across the WHO Western Pacific Region, including Micronesia and Palau. Telecom & Health Connectivity: In the Federated States of Micronesia, ending a telecom monopoly boosted internet access 20-fold and cut broadband costs dramatically, improving connectivity for remote health services. Marine Conservation for Health: Palau International Coral Reef Center (PICRC) is working with the Dmakeiukl Women’s Group on community-based monitoring of Marine Protected Areas to support biodiversity and climate resilience. Policy Watch: A U.S. federal move left nearly 450,000 New Yorkers without coverage, highlighting how eligibility changes can quickly disrupt care.

Community Health & Resilience: Palau International Coral Reef Center (PICRC) is working with the Dmakeiukl Women’s Group to strengthen monitoring of Palau’s Marine Protected Areas, blending scientific tracking with traditional knowledge to support biodiversity and climate resilience. Disaster Response (Rota): Be Heartfelt is sending 2,400 hygiene kits to Rota to support children and families recovering from Super Typhoon Bavi, with items like soap, shampoo, toothpaste, and toothbrushes delivered through partners including Heart to Heart International, Ayuda Foundation, and Pacific Unlimited Trucking. Public Health Capacity (FSM): In the Federated States of Micronesia, internet access has surged and broadband costs have dropped sharply after ending a telecom monopoly, with new undersea fiber and satellite services expanding connectivity across remote islands. Tobacco Control (Regional Training): Palau’s Department of Health Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office (TACO) launched its 2026 Tobacco Control Training Programme via webinars, drawing 900+ tobacco control professionals from across the WHO Western Pacific Region, including Micronesia and Palau. Healthcare Access & Equity (Corrections): An Oregon audit found limited-English people in youth and adult correctional facilities aren’t getting enough support, urging better language tracking and interpreter access for healthcare services. Policy & Identity (Nauru/Naoero): Nauru has officially changed its name to Naoero, with government saying the decision followed extensive discussions and no referendum.

Disaster Relief: Be Heartfelt is sending 2,400 hygiene kits to Rota to support children and families recovering from Super Typhoon Bavi, with items like toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap and shampoo to help protect health and restore dignity. Telecom & Health Access: In the Federated States of Micronesia, ending a government telecom monopoly has driven a major jump in internet access and sharply cut broadband costs, improving connectivity for services across remote islands. Public Health Capacity: The Department of Health’s Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office (TACO) launched its 2026 Tobacco Control Training Programme, with over 900 tobacco control professionals from across the WHO Western Pacific Region, including Micronesia and Palau, joining monthly webinars. Community Health Events: Guam Regional Medical City marks 11 years with a Steel Strong, Heart Driven Health Fair on July 25, offering free screenings (including blood pressure and blood glucose), health education, and immunization updates. Health Equity in Custody: An Oregon audit says correctional facilities are not meeting needs for adults and youth with limited English, urging better language tracking and interpreter access so healthcare isn’t worse behind bars. Remembering a Navigator: Palau Community College mourns the passing of Rapin Woeke Sesario Sewralur, a master navigator who helped keep traditional wayfinding alive through teaching and voyages.