The Express, a WestCare Publication
By Corinth Aguon, LMSW Clinician According to 2022 data from the Guam Homeless Coalition, there are about 1,087 individuals experiencing homelessness in Guam. With substance use disorders being one of the major contributing factors to housing instability on the island, the need for treatment focusing on alcohol, illicit drug, and prescription drug misuse is more […]
By Chanelle Ramiro, Youth Educator and Regina Shiroma, Research Assistant Biba Åñu Nuebu from the Pacific Islands! In December, WestCare Pacific Islands (WPI) was honored to host our President, Richard Steinberg, and CEO, Ken Ortbals, on a whirlwind visit to the islands. Their much-anticipated visit allowed our teams to get to know our executive leadership, […]
By Leslie Estrella, Program Manager WestCare Pacific Islands (WPI) is committed to building a healthier community by standing alongside our local partners annually for World AIDS Day 2022‘s theme, “Equalize. Putting Ourselves to the Test: Achieving Equity to End HIV.” The WPI family stays firm in our mission to be a resource for the education […]
By WestCare Pacific Islands’ Youth Enhancement & Treatment Programs What a sensational summer it was! WestCare Pacific Islands’ youth empowerment and treatment programs hosted a series of summer programming. This collaboration offered participants activities to enhance mental health and well-being, increase their capacity to make positive choices, become leaders in their community, and engage in […]
By Salome Vuki, Quality Improvement Coordinator This July, WestCare Pacific Islands’ Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program celebrates Guam’s Liberation Day on July 21 with the theme, “The Strength to Overcome, the Faith to Persevere!” Liberation Day commemorates the end of the Japanese occupation in Guam by the U.S. military. In honor of Liberation […]
By Melvira Kyarii Kazuma, Family Educator and Indirah Tochi Tirso, Family Educator Rooted in the spirit of Klaingeseu (“to help one another” in the Palauan language), WestCare Pacific Islands’ Cheberdil Belau Center (CBC) has opened its doors to serve the community of Palau with two new programs for youth and young couples, the Tutoring Program […]
By Lavina Camacho, Behavioral Health Administrator In October of 2021, Uplift Counseling Services began a new partnership with the Guam Community College (GCC) offering behavioral health support and services, allowing the community college to address mental health directly. This collaboration stemmed from WestCare Pacific Islands (WPI) identifying the unmet needs and barriers for this young […]
By Mia Madlambayan, Research Assistant and Salome Vuki, Prevention Specialist, Maolek Na Lina’la (MNL)/Life is Good Amidst the Holiday season, Maolek Na Lina’la (MNL) or “Life is Good,” pushed to organize multiple events for Guam’s youth while spreading the philosophy of a “good life” using the Positive Action curriculum. MNL closed out a cohort with […]
By Ciera Tamayo, Outreach Specialist Happy Holidays from the Pacific Islands familia! The holidays are filled with family gatherings, festive décor, and an abundance of laughter. While we envision the holidays to be merry and bright, this time of the year may be difficult for many of our Veterans. This holiday season, help spread cheer […]
By Beverlyn Coleman, Clinical Program Director, I Ma’lak Na Ha’åni – Bright Futures WestCare Pacific Islands’ (WPI) school-based youth behavioral health program, Ma’lak Na Ha’åni – Bright Futures, is happy to announce its expansion to community-based services in January 2022! WPI was recently awarded the National Child Traumatic Stress Initiative (NCTSI) grant funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). […]
The Express, a WestCare Publication 