SAR: Participants progressing at level they are ready for

Furthering discussions with government agencies and stakeholders, the Substance Abuse and Rehabilitation Program recently held roundtable meetings of ongoing programs and services at the Hinemlu O’hala Para Enteramenti (HOPE) Recovery Center.

Prior to the center’s opening, Special Assistant for Substance Abuse and Rehabilitation Yvette Sablan shared that the program has been receiving calls from a great number of people inquiring about the group home. Now that the center has opened, the individuals and families are concerned about their time away from their families.

“This is really a positive concern for me, because treatment includes the family, and it is comforting to know that the family are still hopeful and are concerned about their time apart. Our work is harder if the family has chosen to close their doors, in which we also understand and respect considering the hardship and struggles they’ve endured, but we strongly encourage individuals to give us a chance to help them, and we also encourage the loved ones to especially take part in the treatment, because they too, are victims of the brunt of the substance misuse and it is important to treat the individual and family as a whole,” Sablan said.

Licensed Clinical Substance Abuse counselor Reuben Chong added that there has been positive progress in the program.

“On any pioneering journey, the road is filled with trial and tribulations, however, we’ve had a 100 percent compliance with the drug results within the last three screenings and participants are progressing at a level that they are ready for,” Chong said.

Roundtable discussion

According to Sablan, the discussions focused on the current institutional challenges and better ways to address gaps to build an all-inclusive substance abuse program.

“These community partnerships are key to the success of rehabilitation. Stakeholders need to know firsthand the services available within our program and how to better serve our community’s diverse needs. We plan our next meeting to focus on enforcement agencies such as Customs, Corrections, the CNMI Drug Court and the Department of Public Safety. As a joint effort with the Community Guidance Center with the support of CHCC, and co-facilitator Dr. Glenda George, we are working to educate our agencies and the community on our efforts on addressing substance misuse,” she said.

Gov. Ralph DLG Torres expressed that ongoing trainings and stakeholder meetings are crucial to the program’s development. He reiterated this program as a commitment and investment in the future of our islands, from developing our workforce to healing our people.

“From the establishment of drug court to the opening of the recovery facility, this undertaking requires consistent and ongoing collaboration. I am pleased that there is positive progression and it is my hope that this recovery center is strengthened and becomes a working model for all communities who are struggling with this issue. Combatting substance abuse, ice addiction, and mental health disorders is a community effort and requires the government to work proactively together to achieve a common goal. These discussions will help provide a better understanding of the SAR program and better address gaps within our community services. I extend my appreciation to our counselors, healthcare personnel, volunteers, and the patients for taking these steps to build and strengthen our community,” Torres said.

Personnel update

Sablan shared that the program has a total of 16 personnel which include three administrative staff, two licensed clinicians, three bachelor level counselors that support the clinicians with case management, and seven behavioral health technicians that work a 24-hour rotation at the H.O.P.E. Recovery Center group home.

“We are continuously providing training for the staff to support our effort on increasing our professional capacity to serve the Commonwealth efficiently. Very soon, quite a few staff may qualify to partake in an upcoming course that would prepare them for the Certified Substance Abuse Counselor (CSAC) examination,” she said.

Chong added that currently the center has eight beds available and are working on a third intake for the group home, including an increase in residential participants and that collaborative work with the CNMI Drug Court is ongoing.

Sablan further noted that the center is ready and available to provide Intensive Outpatient (IOP) and Outpatient (OP) levels of care and that anyone can walk-in for assistance. For further assistance, please call 323-7277/78. (PR)