The Department of Public Health and Social Services was awarded $1,080,000 as a result of the Fiscal Year 2024 AmeriCorps State and National Public Health AmeriCorps grant competition. 

According to AmeriCorps, “the funding will go towards supporting recruitment, training and development of the next generation of public health leaders who are ready to respond to the public health needs of the nation.”

The Public Health AmeriCorps program was created to assist in building the capacity of the public health workforce through service, addressing mental health, chronic disease prevention, and public health readiness.

“This funding comes at an opportune time as the department continues to expand its services to better assist the people of Guam,” said DPHSS Acting Director Theresa Arriola. “The Public Health AmeriCorps program is a great stepping stone into learning more about our department and what we do for the community.”

The Public Health AmeriCorps was established in 2021 in partnership with AmeriCorps and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

PHA was created to leverage American Rescue Plan and CARES Act funds, to help meet the needs of local communities and build the Public Health workforce.