“If you were Governor, what would you do to help the community stay drug-free and have good mental health?”

To find a solution in improving the CNMI’s drug and alcohol and mental concerns would be at the top of my list, if I were Governor. It is obvious that the CNMI is suffering greatly as a “people group” with these controversial issues. If I were Governor, along with the rest of the community, I would help the CNMI to grow into a people mindful of and benevolent to those who are in need.

The issue of drugs and alcohol is a major problem that needs to be heard. Right now there are programs that are working hand-in-hand with the community to help solve this dilemma. Everyday people suffer the effects of the abuse of drugs and alcohol–– they die, commit suicide, or even go as far as cruelly abusing their families.
But there is hope! Being the Governor I alone could not solve this problem; but with the will power of the community, together, we can make a difference. How?

First, the community must realize that improving the CNMI involves their dedication too. It is imperative that the whole community must be involved. When I see an increase in drug abuse repercussions, I know that it is a direct corollary of the community not being involved. I will set up programs that specialize in educating students about drug and alcohol abuse. I will make sure that every student in the CNMI will hear and see the effects of drug abuse. It is effective when students can actually visualize the horrible aftermath. Although many programs are already in effect, I have noticed that they only talk but hardly show. Showing will have a more lasting effect on everyone who hears the message.

In the United States, many concerned teenagers have taken a step forward. They stage a car “accident” caused by alcohol and drug abuse. People who witness this “accident” get to see, right before their very eyes, how fragile life is.

They get to see the agony and pain of those people involved in the accident. Face to face they see the gruesome effects of what drug and alcohol abuse can bring. It is proven that staging such “accidents” will consequently reach people. It does not eliminate every single consequence of drug abuse but it can make people aware of what it is capable of. If I am Governor, under my administration, staged accidents as these will be put into effect. I know that this widely used concept is effective and beneficial to the whole community.

On this island alone, it is evident that there is a high percentage of domestic violence and abuse, family problems, stress and other mental health issues. But the victims are not at fault; they are not to be blamed for the situation they’re in. To help people suffering from mental health issues, understanding them must be prioritized. We cannot help those we cannot understand. If I were Governor, I would set up numerous hotlines around the CNMI. With this, those who are experiencing mental health problems could call up anytime just to talk to somebody who will care to listen and understand. Sometimes people under mental stress only need someone to talk to.

Another way to control and help those who are being abused is to set up shelters to house and clothe them. Although there are shelters such as the Gumata Shelter and Touched by Grace Girl’s Home in effect now, more shelters are still needed. Many are still trapped. We as a community must have the patience and commitment to help abused victims. Setting up shelters is a good idea but it will not function at all if there are no volunteers. The community must step in and fill this gap. When we help the abused by helping them materially, we are showing we actually do care.

The family is the heart of the community. But families go through problems whether it be work, school, or money problems, there are problems arising every single day. Some parents cannot handle it anymore that they divorce and then more problems arise. The kids. in turn, suffer greatly during this ordeal. As Governor, I will promote to save families. I will set up programs that promote to save families. I will hold forums for the parents to talk about ways to help build a stronger family. In that way, the parents themselves can talk to other parents about what they do to keep their family together. Whether it is their faith in God to keep the family together, their devotion to spending more time with their kids, or their patience towards financial problems- anything could be said to help other parents build their families up. Forums are a good way to talk and hear what the heads of the families have to say. Families are important to keep our community together and as
Governor, I will make sure that promoting good family ties are implemented.

As I have said before, the community plays a significant role in improving mental health conditions. Without the help of the community, the Governor cannot, in any way, deal with these issues alone. The people of this community must act now to help those in need. Many are crying out for help and it is time to take matters in our own hands. As the Governor, I would expect the community to help me and vice versa. With this in mind, we can make a difference- we can help the community try to stay drug-free and have good mental health.