Guam Passes Bill to Repurpose Public Health Building into Nursing Annex for Community College
October 01, 2025 | General Government Operations and Appropriations , Legislative, Guam
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The 38th Guam Legislature convened on October 1, 2025, to discuss critical measures aimed at addressing the island's pressing healthcare needs, particularly the shortage of qualified nurses and allied health professionals. Central to the discussions was Bill 21-38, which proposes to repurpose the former Department of Public Health and Social Services headquarters in Mangilao into a nursing annex for Guam Community College (GCC).
During the session, legislators emphasized the urgent need for expanded healthcare education and training facilities on Guam. The bill aims to provide GCC with the necessary property to enhance its nursing programs and collaborate with the Department of Public Health and Social Services. This initiative is seen as a vital step in addressing the growing demand for healthcare professionals on the island.
The former public health headquarters has been vacant since 2019 due to an electrical fire. Lawmakers argued that instead of allowing the property to deteriorate, it should be transformed into a center for education and training, ultimately benefiting the health of the community. The bill's proponents highlighted GCC's successful track record in leveraging federal grants and partnerships to improve its facilities and programs.
An important amendment to the bill requires GCC and the Department of Public Health to finalize a memorandum of agreement for shared use of the site before applying for any grant funding. This provision aims to foster collaboration rather than competition between the two entities, ensuring a coordinated approach to improving healthcare services.
Legislators expressed their commitment to workforce development in healthcare, noting the heartbreak of families having to leave the island for medical care due to the shortage of local professionals. They called for support of Bill 21-38 as a means to strengthen Guam's healthcare system and ensure that future generations have access to necessary medical services.
The session concluded with a call for unity among lawmakers to pass the bill, which has been introduced multiple times in previous legislatures. The urgency of the matter was underscored by the ongoing global shortage of nurses, with local leaders advocating for the training and retention of healthcare professionals on Guam.
During the session, legislators emphasized the urgent need for expanded healthcare education and training facilities on Guam. The bill aims to provide GCC with the necessary property to enhance its nursing programs and collaborate with the Department of Public Health and Social Services. This initiative is seen as a vital step in addressing the growing demand for healthcare professionals on the island.
The former public health headquarters has been vacant since 2019 due to an electrical fire. Lawmakers argued that instead of allowing the property to deteriorate, it should be transformed into a center for education and training, ultimately benefiting the health of the community. The bill's proponents highlighted GCC's successful track record in leveraging federal grants and partnerships to improve its facilities and programs.
An important amendment to the bill requires GCC and the Department of Public Health to finalize a memorandum of agreement for shared use of the site before applying for any grant funding. This provision aims to foster collaboration rather than competition between the two entities, ensuring a coordinated approach to improving healthcare services.
Legislators expressed their commitment to workforce development in healthcare, noting the heartbreak of families having to leave the island for medical care due to the shortage of local professionals. They called for support of Bill 21-38 as a means to strengthen Guam's healthcare system and ensure that future generations have access to necessary medical services.
The session concluded with a call for unity among lawmakers to pass the bill, which has been introduced multiple times in previous legislatures. The urgency of the matter was underscored by the ongoing global shortage of nurses, with local leaders advocating for the training and retention of healthcare professionals on Guam.
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