DeRidos vice mayor promotes maternal health program for marginalized women

The Mayors' Council of Guam held its monthly regular meeting on May 7, 2025, focusing on community health initiatives and resource allocation among the villages. The meeting began with the vice mayor of DeRidos addressing the need for promotional materials to support a new program aimed at improving pregnancy outcomes in the community.

The vice mayor expressed interest in utilizing local WhatsApp groups and social media to disseminate information about the program, which aims to assist pregnant women and teens by providing essential health information and resources. An informational sheet is set to be distributed to all mayors, along with plans for community sessions to further engage residents.

The initiative was inspired by the experiences of Stevie Marino, a Chamorro woman who founded the Birth Workers of Color Collective in Los Angeles after facing challenges during her own childbirth. The program seeks to empower marginalized women by offering culturally relevant practices and support for healthier pregnancies. Funding for this initiative has been secured through a combination of budget allocations and a GEDA grant.

In response to concerns about limited funding for outreach across all 19 villages, the mayor of Zordon suggested clustering visits to specific locations in the northern, southern, and central areas of Guam. This approach aims to maximize the impact of the available resources, as the current budget allows for approximately nine or ten visits.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to enhance community health through collaborative efforts and effective communication strategies, ensuring that vital information reaches those who need it most. Further updates and materials will be shared with the mayors to facilitate ongoing outreach and support.