Blue Ribbon Initiative launched for National Recovery Month and National Suicide Prevention Month in the CNMI

PHOTO: “We are worth it. We are worthy, and we deserve to be here,” survivor Sharina Clark shared to an audience of community members, healthcare providers, and local leaders at the official launch of the Blue Ribbon Initiative. During the ceremony, acting governor David M. Apatang joined Commonwealth Healthcare Corp. CEO Esther Muna and Community Guidance Center Addiction Service Unit administrator Joe Kevin Villagomez and their staff to officially designate September 2024 as National Recovery Month and National Suicide Prevention Month in the CNMI. The designation includes the Commonwealth in the national commemoration, underscoring the islands’ ongoing commitment to mental health awareness and accessible support services. “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 ones that will reach those in crisis first,” said Villagomez.
Saipan Tribune

Follow Up: ‘Better to be prepared than surprised’ with Konfitma training

Konfitma in Chamorro describes the essence of the Konfitma training, which is “confirming the plan” or more literally, to “confirm.” In this year’s edition of the real-life scenario training that concluded last Wednesday, the goal remained the same, to confirm a solid plan for frontlining response agencies and to further prepare these individuals when faced in such dangerous situations. CNMI Homeland Security and Emergency Management played a major role in leading the two-day drills, which covered responding to active shootings, mass care, and biochemical cleanups. “We don’t want a real-world situation like this to happen, but it’s best that we practice and we exercise these drills so we’re prepared if it does happen,” said HSEM spokesperson Bernard Villagomez, adding that early on in the training, the goal was to save lives and protect the CNMI should these scenarios hit home.
Saipan Tribune