The mission of the Guam Department of Public Health and Social Services (DPHSS) is to protect, promote, and improve the health of all people in Guam through integrated state, county, and community efforts. The Title V Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Block Grant enhances the state’s ability to promote prevention, capacity and systems building, public information and education, family-centered systems of care, outreach and program linkage, technical assistance to communities, and other core public health functions.

A comprehensive needs assessment was completed in 2020 that determined Guam’s priorities, targeted funds to address priorities, and the methods and measures to address the priorities to meet the state’s needs. The Needs Assessment informed the development of the State Action Plan with the intent of supporting and promoting the development and coordination of systems of care for women of childbearing age, infants, and children, including children with special health care needs. The priorities, strategies, and objectives set forth in the State Action Plan address national and state performance measures that align with the goals of the Title V MCH Block grant. The State Action plan emphasizes collaborative efforts with state partners, families, Institutes of Higher Education, and additional stakeholders to strengthen the health, safety, and well-being of mothers and children in Guam. The evidence-based strategies have been developed with the goal of eliminating health disparities, improving birth outcomes, and advancing the health status of women, infants, children, youth, and families.