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CGC takes lead in effort to stem substance abuse
Members of the Blue Ribbon Community Action Team. (Bea Cabrera)
The Community Guidance Center spearheaded the observance of National Drug Prevention Week from May 15 to 17, 2017, with a boatload of activities aimed at educating the CNMI on healthy living and the power of prevention to help stop substance abuse and mental disorders.
Celebrated simultaneously on Saipan, Tinian, and Rota, the activities encouraged the community to join a fun run that was open to all and a poster-making contest for grade school and middle school students. The latter had different themes that revolved around the fight against alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, and other drugs.
The Blue Ribbon Community Action Team tackled the growing number of children in the CNMI who are reportedly getting hooked on substance use and abuse.
“We have to protect these children. Substance abuse in children deters them from experiencing maturation of the brain. They are most at risk,” said West Care Pacific Islands senior vice president Sarah Thomas-Nededog.
The NMI government, led by Gov. Ralph DLG Torres, has established the substance abuse and treatment center and rehabilitation program that is underway.
“The mission of the governor is responding to the outcry of drug use and how it’s either directly or indirectly affecting everyone in the community. He has responded by opening up the CNMI’s first-ever substance abuse and rehabilitation treatment center. The nearest is Guam and resources needed there is high. We will address not only drug abuse but more such as substance or alcohol abuse,” said Substance Abuse and Treatment Center’s Shawnalei Ogumoro.
