GUAHAN Project's Asian and Pacific Islander HIV/AIDS Awareness Poster
Featuring Women Living on Guam
James Madison University (JMU) students and faculty with the GUAHAN Project at “Zero-Down” (Gill – Baza Subdivision) in Yigo Village
Food, clothing, and HIV/AIDS education & prevention materials were donated by JMU and the GUAHAN Project to disadvantaged people living in “Zero-Down.” This proactive outreach effort took place at a time of disagreements as to who is responsible for the very basic infrastructure expected from a modern subdivision and some of the questionable financial situations that seem to place the people of this area in danger of losing their homes. Most of the people living here are from the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), especially from Chuuk. This outreach event took place as a positive step in providing basic HIV education and support services to empower people at high-risk to possibly reduce their chances of HIV infection. It was a way for everyone participating in the outreach to understand the working culture of our community. It also a way to see what areas need to be prioritized to help those who need it most on our island. More Photos
Asian & Pacific Islander HIV/AIDS Awareness Day is on May 19, 2008
The GUAHAN Project invites everyone to the Pacific Resource and Training Center (PRTC) in observance of this very special event. The Chuukese Health information Community Alliance (CHICA) program will be formally introduced to the community, along with two new posters celebrating Guam’s Asian & Pacific Islander community in the fight against AIDS, featuring the women of Guam. In addition, the brand-new STD/HIV Satellite Office will have it’s Grand Opening on this day as well. This new and unique program celebrates the continued collaborative success of the Guam Department of Public Health and the GUAHAN Project in the provision of effective and accessible STD/HIV services for the community. This partnership has proven to be a breakthrough in identifying high-risk communities on Guam for STD/HIV infection. The visiting students and faculty of James Madison University from Virginia will also be at this event, making it even more special for the GUAHAN Project. A fiesta lunch will be served so please come and join the GUAHAN Project at the PRTC for the API HIV/AIDS Awareness Day celebration. Please contact the GUAHAN Project at (671) 647-5684, 647-2437, 646-2437 or via guahanproject@gmail.com for the latest information. Photo: Background, left to right, Terry Aguon and David Santos; foreground, John Patis
The GUAHAN Project Pacific Resource & Training Center (PRTC) offers free educational materials for HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis (TB) and Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD). In addition, information on diabetes, tobacco cessation, aging, women's reproductive health and hemophilia can be found in the PRTC. These materials include posters, pamphlets, journals, DVDs, CDs, video tapes, magazines, books and HIV prevention items such as free condoms and personal lubricants provided by the Guam Department of Public Health.
GUAHAN Project Website Launched: Hafa Adai! The GUAHAN Project's first website makes it's debut on December 14, 2007. This is an exciting addition to the GUAHAN Project Outreach Program and is funded by the Office of Minority Health (OMH). The web site is designed by Aeon Web Media Incorporated. The Outreach Program is greatly enhanced by the addition of the GUAHAN Project website. The Pacific Resource & Training Center, also funded by the Office of Minority Health features free internet computer access and a free wireless hotspot. Please take a tour of this exciting new website and see the latest in GUAHAN Project's work in fighting AIDS in the community.
Updated! GUAHAN Project Phone Numbers Effective June 2, 2008
Pacific Resource & Training Center (PRTC) Suite 301
(671) 646-2437, (671) 647-2437, FAX (671) 647-4481
Guam Congresswoman
Madeleine Z. Bordallo
Since the GUAHAN Project was established in 2003, Guam Congresswoman Madeleine Z. Bordallo has served as the Honorary Chairperson of the organization. She also strongly encouraged the founders of the GUAHAN Project to serve the community when the organization was being formed and when challenges seemed insurmountable. Despite the shame and stigma still associated with the epidemic, Congresswoman Bordallo has been very supportive of the many people who make AIDS prevention, education, awareness and care a reality. The GUAHAN Project proudly salutes Congresswoman Bordallo in the fight against AIDS on Guam.
Director’s Notes: The Normal Heart “The human contribution is the essential ingredient. It is only the giving of oneself to others that we truly live.” These are the words of Ethel Perry Andrus. Words that truly represent the work you are about to witness tonight. The Normal Heart was just another job I auditioned for as a professional actor. I played the role of Mickey Marcus. But I did not realize the impact and the importance of this work as a theatre piece and a message piece. We learn a great deal about each other based on our histories and actions. This play is a history on the plague we know as AIDS and is one of most important examples of getting to know what we are up against as activists and people living in the age of this disease.
The presentation of this play is not as unorthodox as you might think. Plays go through processes of evolution known as staged readings. The directors, producers, and playwrights need to see the play “on its feet” and more importantly the actors giving the characters a voice. We as actors kindly and graciously give you this work as an expression of our dedication to educating the public about AIDS and the prejudice that surrounds it. The work itself is presented in the simplest form possible – bare stage, uniformed costumes, and basic lighting. It is now your job to use your imagination to create the scenarios and situations. We hope to help you in the images you create.
Now we ask you to contribute and to give of yourself for this cause we feel so strongly.
Ricky Vergara, Director, The Normal Heart (Read More)
Thank You! Three sold-out performances and one very lavish gala event helped the community to become more aware of AIDS and how we need to protect and educate ourselves from this epidemic. Very special thanks to the amazing talents of the RENT cast, Choreographer Margie Dancel, Music Director Dr. Randall Johnson, Director Ernest Ochoco and all of the hard-working and selfless volunteers who made this production possible. Thank you again for your support in the fight against AIDS.
Why is there World AIDS Day? It does seem awkward. Why do we celebrate a disease that has killed over 25 million people since 1981? We really don’t hear much these days about AIDS. There are some people that believe AIDS is curable and that there is nothing to worry about. That fact is, HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, continues to infect more people than ever around the world. True, in some places the infection rates are dropping slightly but they are more than offset by the sharp increases in new infections in Africa, China and Russia.
Guam Congresswoman 
“The human contribution is the essential ingredient. It is only the giving of oneself to others that we truly live.” These are the words of Ethel Perry Andrus. Words that truly represent the work you are about to witness tonight. The Normal Heart was just another job I auditioned for as a professional actor. I played the role of Mickey Marcus. But I did not realize the impact and the importance of this work as a theatre piece and a message piece. We learn a great deal about each other based on our histories and actions. This play is a history on the plague we know as AIDS and is one of most important examples of getting to know what we are up against as activists and people living in the age of this disease. 
