The CHamoru women who were trained as nurse-midwives by the US Navy assisted with home births in Guam from approximately 1910 to 1967. CHamorus born on the island during this period were most likely to have been delivered by one of these nurse-midwives. These women, known in Guam as pattera, play a unique role in Guam’s history and culture.
Guam Pattera (Nurse Midwives) Read Post »
Ramon Manalisay Sablan (1902-1970) was the first CHamoru medical doctor. He is also remembered as an influential educator, politician, activist, linguist, and musician.
Dr. Ramon Manalisay Sablan Read Post »
Congress chartered the Guam Chapter of the American Red Cross on 23 October 1916 with signatures of then President Woodrow Wilson, Secretary Charles L. Magee and American Red Cross Acting Chairman Eliot Wadsworth.
American Red Cross, Guam Chapter Read Post »
The ancient Chamorros/CHamorus were generally healthy people. They were well built and appeared to be very healthy by visitors to the islands. They did not suffer from diseases like smallpox, influenza or the plague until Westerners came to the island. However, it is documented that Hansen’s Disease or leprosy was present before European contact.
Suruhånu yan Amot (Healers and Medicine) Read Post »
