Governor signs ‘SAPTember’ proclamation

Gov. Benigno R. Fitial signed Friday a proclamation declaring September as Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Awareness Month, dubbed “SAPTember,” in a formal ceremony at the Commonwealth Health Center.

Fitial called on all residents, government agencies, public and private institutions, businesses and schools to work together in raising awareness and understanding of substance abuse.

Department of Public Health officials led by Secretary Kevin Joseph Villagomez and members of the private sector that included Tan Holdings Corp. president Jerry Tan, were present to witness the ceremony.

Fitial said the annual celebration is an avenue for the community to focus on providing education and promoting public awareness and understanding on the impact of substance abuse and to strengthen prevention, treatment and recovery.

Fitial said the CNMI employs a variety of resources to bring about a positive change that promotes healthier lifestyles for everyone in the community, alongside effective prevention and treatment efforts for substance abuse, strong community support, and continued collaboration among partner agencies.

“This is a refreshed opportunity to recognize and experience the societal benefits of effective substance abuse prevention, treatment, and recovery. Let our community flourish with the influences of effective education in the home by increasing family protective factors to prevent our youth from early substance abuse,” Fitial said.

He urged people to rise above tribulations to continue nurturing the growth of education and awareness, the promotion of substance abuse prevention, treatment, and recovery, as “we strengthen protective factors that will foster healthier generations to come.”

Fitial noted that family, friends, colleagues play vital roles in the lives of those on the road to recovery. “We shall recognize the valiant efforts of people who are in recovery from substance abuse and take notice of the financial and human costs associated with such addictions and disorders, which affects not only certain individuals, but their families and the larger community.”

“Each and every one of us can help sound this year’s theme—‘Join the Voices for Recovery: Real People, Real Recovery’—passionately expanding our knowledge of investing in prevention and treatment, as the backbone of real success for those who enter effective recovery.”

Next month’s activities will be participated in by U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration, the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, the CNMI Department of Public Health, the Community Guidance Center, the Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition, all key stakeholders, and community members.