(PSS) — The CNMI Public School System’s Project HALIGI AWARE Mental Health Program, along with community partners from the Commonwealth Healthcare Corp.-Community Guidance Center, gathered on Dec. 1, 2022, to strengthen mental health support for students and families through in-service referral pathways.
As part of this collaboration, program leaders discussed partnership opportunities that aim to promote mental health wellness and services for all students and families.
Wilma Villanueva, psychotherapist and clinic supervisor for CHCC-CGC’s Wellness Clinic presented an overview of available clinical services.
She shared, “I am very grateful, first of all, to be here to collaborate with PSS. It’s going to be an exciting adventure…. I’m really excited about the work that we’re going to continue to do to bridge the gap because we’ll all work hand in hand with one another.”
Along with Villanueva, other members from CGC outlined different program services available to the community including support groups, counseling services, and other in-service referral pathways.
The collaboration between PSS and CHCC-CGC programs will also allow these agencies to leverage various resources to ensure students and families receive the necessary support services.
Many of the programs provide specific support for individuals from students through adulthood who are facing mental health challenges resulting from issues such as violence, trauma, and other underlying psychological issues.
CGC’s clinical psychologist, Dr. Glenda George, shared, “With the bits and pieces throughout our community, all of this accumulates and becomes a whole. That’s probably the only way that we can do it successfully, is to really collectively pull our strength together, pull our resources together and work through it as a community.”
The CGC umbrella of services includes Group Peer Support; Substance Use Prevention/Treatment; Mental Health First Aid; Community Outreach Awareness and Education; Wrap Around Informed Care and much more.
Dr. Bobby Cruz, PSS state education agency co-director, said, “Before PSS Mental Health, we relied solely on our partners. In light of what we know about childhood trauma and its harrowing impact on adulthood, PSS recognized the need to mobilize more immediate tiered supports and interventions for students and while continuing to lean on our partners for higher levels of care through coordinated referrals. The system of support is expanding, and PSS is building on the shoulders of the pioneering work of our CHCC and CGC professionals.”
Dr. Boni Pangelinan, PSS student & support services supervisor, on behalf of the CNMI PSS Project HALIGI Team, expressed her utmost appreciation to leaders and team members of the CHCC Community Guidance Center’s Wellness Center, Suicide Prevention Program, System of Care Program, Healthy Transitions Program, Addiction Services Unit, and CHCC Psychiatry Department for their commitment to strengthening partnerships that will benefit students and families of the CNMI to increase access to mental health services on all three main islands.
PSS Mental Health personnel with Commonwealth Healthcare Corp.-Community Guidance Center staff.
Dr. Boni Pangelinan, PSS Office of Student and Support Services senior director, welcomes community partners.
From left, Dr. Glenda George, Dr. Bobby Cruz and Dr. Boni Pangelinan during a presentation of a certificate of appreciation.
