Gov. Arnold I. Palacios delivers his remarks during the “soft” opening of the Community Outreach Partnership Program Office under the Substance Abuse, Addiction, and Rehabilitation Program in Chalan Kanoa on Tuesday.
“RE-ENTRY programs, whether re-entry from drug abuse, drug addiction or from incarceration, works,” Gov. Arnold I. Palacios said in his remarks at the “soft” opening of the Community Outreach Partnership Program Office under the Substance Abuse, Addiction, and Rehabilitation Program in Chalan Kanoa on Tuesday.
“Recovery is possible,” Palacios added.
“Many members of our community are struggling with drug addiction and mental health issues…many have lost their way, but somehow through family support, community support…or sometimes you get a nudge from the court [or] incarceration,” recovery follows, the governor said.
“Let’s give them a second chance,” Palacios added, referring to the participants of the re-entry program.
“It does work. I wouldn’t be standing here if my family and my community did not give me that second chance,” he said.
According to Palacios, he once attended Alcoholic Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous meetings.
“I am a recovering addict and alcoholic…I have been in recovery for 25 years,” Palacios said. “I used to go to AA and NA [meetings] three times a week because I was afraid. I was totally afraid of myself, what my mind could do,” he added.
Palacios said the first time he ran for a House seat in 2001, he could feel the stigma because many in the community knew what he went through.
“Don’t quit,” he told the participants of the re-entry program.
Palacios and Lt. Gov. David Apatang then signed a proclamation declaring April 21-27, 2024, as CNMI Re-Entry Week.
“Let us join together as a community to support reentry initiatives, fostering growth and empowerment for those seeking to reintegrate into society,” the proclamation stated. “Together, we can build a brighter, more inclusive future where everyone has the chance to thrive and contribute positively to our society,” it added.
CNMI Drug Court Judge Teresa Kim-Tenorio and Corrections Commissioner Anthony Torres were the guest speakers of the event.
Among the other CNMI officials who attended it were Saipan Mayor Ramon “RB” Camacho, Speaker Edmund Villagomez, Rep. John Paul Sablan, Rep. Manny Castro, Superior Court Presiding Judge Roberto C. Naraja, and Diego M. Sablan, the special assistant for the Substance Abuse, Addiction and Rehabilitation Program.
