BIG promotes awareness of substance abuse

Bridge Investment Group employees attend the Substance Abuse Workshop coordinated by Herbert Sablan, substance abuse treatment service supervisor, of the Community Guidance Center. (Contributed Photo)

Herbert Sablan, substance abuse treatment service supervisor of the Community Guidance Center, recently provided information to Bridge Investment Group, LLC employees on substance abuse and treatment services available on Saipan.

People who are in need of help are often unaware of the support and treatment services offered in the CNMI. Sablan gives BIG employees a closer look at the Community Guidance Center’s programs that are beneficial not only to BIG employees but for the communities in the CNMI.

According to Sablan “It is great to be able to work with government and non-government organizations to address substance abuse prevention and treatment efforts in the CNMI.  From the community perspective, employers like BIG highlight the importance of their employees and their families, which demonstrate support efforts towards mental health promotion, mental health treatment, substance abuse prevention, and substance abuse treatment. In partnership with the Commonwealth Healthcare Corp., Community Guidance Center, and Bridge Investment Group are in full support; perpetuating behavioral health wellness and recovery within the CNMI.” 

Yvette Sablan, special assistant for Substance Abuse and Rehabilitation, said: “Bridge Investment Group, LLC of San Jose, Tinian, has definitely taken a huge lead as a private sector on genuinely caring for their employees. With the epidemic of methamphetamine situation, it is reassuring to have BIG set precedence, making it their company’s responsibility to educate their staff about services that are available on substance abuse and equally important, encouraging their staff to avail to the services(s), while guaranteeing their employment. It is actions such as this that truly makes a difference for our people-and it is my hope that we will soon have a greater response from the work force and the community to start taking a proactive stance on our battle against meth. The government agencies cannot do this alone, we need to collaborate our efforts as one. Together, we can put a dent on the increasing number on substance abuse and impact a positive change.”

On behalf of BIG, chief executive Phillip Mendiola-Long emphasizes the need to provide awareness to his employees and to the people of Tinian. These services will help enhance a healthier and more positive lifestyle for individuals whose lives have been affected by the use and abuse, of illegal substances. “When prevention efforts are established and treatment is available, the chances of recovery for our people are much greater.” (PR)