By Pacific Island Times News Staff
The Department of Defense has invested $2.7 million in Guam Memorial Hospital, which is expected to expand its services to military personnel.
"Upgrading Guam Memorial Hospital's infrastructure strengthens the care we provide to our residents and military personnel and enhances the island's readiness and resiliency," Lt. Gov. Josh Tenorio said, announcing the grant received by Guam under the Defense Community Infrastructure Program.
“I am proud that our defense partnership continues to bring tangible benefits to the people of Guam," he added.
According to the governor’s office, the grant will be used to upgrade the hospital's HVAC system with energy-efficient technologies designed to reduce the hospital’s operational costs.
Demand for medical and healthcare services on island is expected to grow due to the impending population explosion that will result from the relocation of 5,000 Marines from Okinawa to Guam.
Besides the government-owned GMH, the privately operated Guam Regional Medical City serves the island’s civilian population and patients from neighboring islands. The Naval Hospital serves the military and veteran sectors.
The administration previously teamed up with the Navy to develop a plan to build a new hospital at Eagles Field in Mangilao to serve both the civilian and military sectors. The plan has since been shelved due to controversies over the proposed site.
The newly awarded DOD grant is part of a broader $100 million in DCIP awards granted to states, territories, and communities nationwide, designed to enhance infrastructure that supports military value, installation resiliency, and family quality of life.
“This investment underscores the value of our federal mission and our close collaboration with the Department of Defense," Tenorio said.
“This funding will allow us to make critical upgrades to our hospital, ensuring that Guam Memorial Hospital remains a reliable healthcare provider for both our community and the military," he added.
Meanwhile, Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero today signed an executive order establishing a Trauma Care Regional Advisory Council to enhance Guam's emergency medical services and trauma care capabilities.
According to a press release from the governor's office, the newly formed council will be tasked with facilitating the development of a regional EMS trauma system plan, implementing process care improvements, launching targeted injury prevention programs, and revising existing protocols based on data-driven assessments.
“With the establishment of this Trauma Care Regional Advisory Council, we are taking a major step forward in caring for our trauma victims. This council will ensure that we continue to refine and enhance the quality of care provided in life-threatening situations,” Leon Guerrero said.
The council will consist of medical professionals and experts in trauma care, emergency response, and public health, according to the governor's office.
Officials said the council’s role will include developing guidelines and recommendations to ensure that Guam’s trauma care system remains responsive, efficient, and focused on improving outcomes for all trauma patients.
"By implementing care improvement processes and injury prevention programs, the council aims to reduce preventable trauma injuries and deaths across the island and the region," the press release stated.
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