The Mayors' Council of Guam held its monthly regular meeting on May 7, 2025, focusing on critical community health initiatives and the preservation of cultural heritage through place names.

One of the standout discussions centered on mental health services, highlighting the urgent need for accessible care on the island. A representative shared the success of the Cares Movement, a social-emotional resiliency program that provides therapy sessions to students, which has expanded to include private schools. The program aims to address the high rates of mental health issues in Guam, with plans to bring back a motivational speaker who has made a significant impact on local youth by sharing his personal story of hope.

Additionally, the MindCare Plus program was introduced, overseen by a board-certified psychiatrist, which focuses on women's healthcare and mental health. This program utilizes FDA-approved technology to treat various mental health conditions, and it has shown promising results among local residents. The initiative is supported by several insurance companies, making it more accessible to those in need.

The meeting also featured the introduction of a mobile wellness clinic, dubbed "Wellness on Wheels," which provides free medical services to underserved communities. This initiative aims to reduce emergency room congestion by encouraging residents to seek primary care early. The mobile clinic operates in various villages, offering services every Saturday and on specific weekdays, ensuring that healthcare is brought directly to those who may not have easy access to traditional medical facilities.

In a separate discussion, the meeting addressed the ongoing efforts to restore and affirm traditional Chamorro place names. A representative from the Commission I Fenn Otsamoro explained the importance of aligning place names with their indigenous roots, which is crucial for preserving cultural identity. The commission is working on updating the spelling and pronunciation of various place names, which may lead to changes in how residents refer to their communities.

The meeting concluded with a call for collaboration among mayors and community leaders to enhance awareness of available health services and to support the cultural initiatives aimed at preserving Guam's heritage. The discussions underscored the commitment of local leaders to address pressing health concerns while honoring the island's rich cultural history.