Community Guidance Center unveils Blue Ribbon Initiative

In a display of community solidarity, local officials, healthcare providers, and community members gathered on Sept. 4, 2024, at Kensington Hotel Saipan to launch the Blue-Ribbon Initiative, a comprehensive effort to address mental health challenges in our community. The event, which coincided with both National Recovery Month and National Suicide Prevention Month, featured the signing of a proclamation, strengthening the community’s commitment to mental health awareness and support.

Lt. Gov. David M. Apatang, together with the Commonwealth Healthcare Corp. CEO Esther Muña, and the CHCC Community Guidance Center, signed a proclamation officially recognizing September as both Recovery Month and Suicide Prevention Month in the CNMI. The signing ceremony is the beginning of a month-long campaign to raise awareness and promote resources for mental health and substance abuse recovery.

CGC administrator for the Addiction Service Unit, Joseph Kevin Villagomez, stated that a community-wide “needs assessment” was conducted prior to the proclamation signing. It was determined from this survey that the stigma around mental health and substance use continue to prevent people from seeking help even when available.

“We still have much to do.” Villagomez says. “One of the main focuses in today’s meeting, is to bring attention to the drug fentanyl.”

Villagomez explains that education for every member of the community is very important for they need to know how the drug looks like and how someone who is on this drug acts and what are needed interventions to prevent deaths. “It is especially important to work with our frontliners, Department of Public Safety and Department of Fire and Emergency Medical Services officers in particular who will most likely be the one that will reach those in crisis first.” Villagomez added.

The Blue Ribbon Initiative Consortium will continue its work beyond September, with plans to present a comprehensive action plans for the community all throughout the future.

“We affirm the belief that mental health is an essential part of overall health,” Apatang stated. “Together, we forge a commitment to supporting and empowering all citizens of the Commonwealth to seek the care they need. By fostering a culture of understanding and compassion, we strive to break down the barriers of stigma and silence, ensuring that no one feels alone in their journey towards well-being.”

For more information on Recovery Month and Suicide Prevention Month events, or to access mental health resources, residents are encouraged to visit the CHCC website and social medias for more information.

The CHCC Community Guidance Center provides interventions and crisis counseling services for people may need assistance with relation behavioral health problems or someone who is going through mental health related distress-whether that is thoughts of suicide, mental health or substance use crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress.

If you or loved one needs support now, call the Crisis Hotline at 9-8-8. (PR)