Island leaders broke ground on the expansion of the Northern Regional Community Health Center in Dededo on Monday, a project officials say will significantly increase access to healthcare for the island community. 

“Today is more than just the ceremonial turning of the soil. It’s a powerful symbol of growth, commitment and care,” said Dept. of Public Health and Social Services Director Theresa Arriola. 

A long anticipated groundbreaking for the expansion of the Northern Regional Community Health Center in Dededo.

The $868,888 design build project is a vital investment that enhances safety, accessibility and patient care for all northern Guam residents regardless of their ability to pay, according to Arriola. 

“This expansion will feature a new main entrance, a welcoming lobby and a dedicated medical records facility. It represents more than just bricks and mortar. It’s about building access, dignity and equity,” added Arriola. 

Governor Lou Leon Guerrero highlighted the expansion as the beginning of a broader effort to strengthen public health infrastructure across Guam.

“They are the pillars and the foundation and the strength of our healthcare. And having this expansion– because this is just the beginning of many expansions for our public health. We’re looking at the Southern Regional Health Center and to use it more because there are more and lots of capacity there that we’re not really using. We are talking about improving that capacity,” said Leon Guerrero. 

Guam’s community health centers are the island’s only federally qualified health centers, serving 8,595 patients last year alone, addressing prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation. 

Lt. Gov. Josh Tenorio underscores the importance of the expansion in improving the island’s health. 

“We don’t want to be known for the place with the highest rates of cancer, or the highest rates of heart disease or the highest rates of renal care. We want to be the island with the longest living rates, the best infant mortality rates, the place where we have great nutrition,” said Tenorio. 

The project was made possible through American Rescue Plan Act grants. Construction will be managed by green community development and overseen by the Department of Public Works.