FOR IMMEDIATE NEWS RELEASE (February 18, 2019– Hagåtña)- The Legislatures Committee on Health held a confirmation hearing today for the Executive Appointment of Linda Unpingco-DeNorcey as Director of the Department of Public Health & Social Services (DPHSS).
DeNorcey, who has worked with the Department of Public Health & Social Services for over twenty-eight (28) years and who has played a lead role in the development and implementation of many significant programs, capital improvements and key service partnerships, presented a comprehensive plan to address the various critical needs of each of the agency’s five (5) divisions: Division of Public Health, Division of Public Welfare, Division of Environmental Health, Division of Senior Citizens, and the Division of General Administration.
“I am here to testify my commitment and readiness to serve as the Director of the Department of Public Health and Social Services, be a change agent, and lead the Department in achieving its mission to assist the people of Guam in achieving and maintaining their highest levels of independence and self-sufficiency in health and social welfare, “ DeNorcey stated.
Some objectives outlined by DeNorcey were as following:
· Maximize the usage of federal funding by requesting Congress to extend the ACA timeline to maximize the usage of federal grant dollars and plans to pursue a new Medicaid Management Information System and Eligibility Enrollment System to improve medical claims processing and eligibility which would provide a 90% funding and a 10% local match.
· Address the Guam Community Health Care nurse shortage.
· Implement a “Diabetes Management” module of the DPHSS Resource and Management System (RPMS) Electronic Health Record System to provide for care plans for every patient.
· Create a “Guam Colorectal Cancer Screening” program for 50-70 year olds below 250% of poverty level through partnerships.
· Increase routine and frequent compliance inspections of health regulated establishments that may pose potential health and safety hazards; enhance overall revenue; fill existing vacant-funded positions.
· Control the outbreak of preventable diseases by improving the reporting of National Notifiable Diseases and strengthening the Electronic Laboratory Reporting and Public Health Surveillance System; increasing Immunization outreach to isolated areas and the frequency of extended outreach clinics.
· Improve timelines of welfare application processing and reduce client complaints through the establishment of a Service Call Center; enhance existing processing system to improve client accessibility to assistance and streamline application processing.
· Increase the number of foster care homes for children place under temporary custody of CPS through partnerships with the Rigalu Foundation, non-profit organizations. The Guma Mina’ase Shelter that protects children 1-17 years old from child abuse and neglect is currently under construction, set to open in July 2019.
· Move the “Medicinal Marijuana” program forward and the appointment of members to the Medical Cannabis Regulation Commission.
According to DeNorcey, the DPHSS goals are also in line the Leon Guerrero-Tenorio Administration with regard to increasing public awareness and education in preventing infectious, communicable, sexually transmitted, and non-communicable diseases; promoting health and wellness so that individuals with medical condition (s) properly control their disease (s); lessening the unnecessary utilization of hospital emergency room; promptly having individuals seek medical attention to prevent hospitalization, and re-admission, which are far more costly than primary health care and preventive services.
Several oral testimonies were presented in overwhelming support of DeNorcey’s nomination by a collection of public health practitioners, medical professionals and community leaders, whom spoke of her dedication, deep work ethic, forward thinking approach and resourcefulness.
Dr. William E. Weare, long time Family Physician at the Southern Region Community Health Center endorsed DeNorcey’s nomination stating, “ I cannot over emphasize Linda Unpingco DeNorcey’s commitment to doing the right thing for the people of Guam.”
Dr. Suzanne Kaneshiro, Chief Public Health Officer at DPHSS stated, “ Linda has always put the welfare of patients first. She is committed to helping those who need it the most, the uninsured and underinsured population who have no where else to go.”
Former DPHSS Director James Gillan endorsed DeNorcey’s nomination stating, “ I have a lot of respect and admiration for her work ethic… it would be a good term under her leadership.”
Dr. Margaret Hattori-Uchima of the University of Guam, School of Nursing and Health Sciences speaking on DeNorceys guidance and assistance with medical care for Guam’s homeless population stated, “ it was her ingenuity and management skills that has helped Guam advance to provide 21st century care in a public health setting.”
Joaquin Perez, of Santa Rita who met DeNorcey’s thirty-eight (38) years ago, when she worked with his late wife, lamented on how his late wife had predicted that a young, intelligent and driven DeNorcey would one day be the director of the agency.
“This appointment by Governor Leon Guerrero and Lt. Gov. Tenorio is probably the best Director and Deputy Director combination this entire government has ever seen or ever will see . . . not only [because of] their experience and educational qualifications, but their dedication to the type of work they do and their dedication to the people of this island, ” Perez further stated.
Senator Therese M. Terlaje, Chairperson on the Committee on Health concluded the hearing recognizing that Acting Director DeNorcey’s detailed plans to address critical areas, wealth of experience, determination and the overwhelming support in favor of her nomination gave her great confidence DeNorceys her leadership. I look forward to working with her and her team to improve the health and welfare of those most in need in our community, ” Terlaje stated.
