Villagomez made the message as the CNMI observes the Mental Health Awareness Month this May with the theme “Building bridges of hope.”
Lt. Gov. Eloy A. Inos signed the proclamation Friday at the Department of Public Health’s annex building for the hemodialysis program.
Villagomez said people with mental illness are generally still productive but they need help to remain that way.
“The general message is that folks with mental illness are productive and functioning members of this community and they continue to do so. We’re doing our best to help them achieve their goals,” he told the Variety.
“We are asking the community to afford that opportunity for everyone who may have mental health issues or substance abuse issues. Most of these issues are temporary in nature. And through our help, they can come back as productive members of the community,” he added.
Public Health, with the Community Guidance Center, will come up with activities to celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month.
