The Department of Public Health & Social Services (DPHSS) is a government agency in Guam that serves as the primary public health authority for the U.S. territory. Established under Guam law, the DPHSS is responsible for protecting and promoting the health and social well-being of Guam’s residents through various programs and services. The department oversees multiple divisions including the Division of Public Health, Division of Environmental Health, Division of Senior Citizens, and the Bureau of Social Services Administration. Key functions include disease surveillance, immunization programs, vital statistics management, food safety inspections, environmental health monitoring, and the administration of social service programs. DPHSS manages critical public health initiatives such as the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program, Medicaid services, health screening programs, and emergency preparedness responses. The agency also regulates healthcare facilities, issues health permits, and conducts health education campaigns throughout the territory. The department works in collaboration with federal agencies including the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to implement national health programs and maintain public health standards in Guam. During the COVID-19 pandemic, DPHSS played a central role in coordinating Guam’s response, including testing, contact tracing, and vaccination efforts.