Howard I. Macaranas, the committee co-vice chairman and Aging Office director, said it is important to support the awareness program because substance abuse “is very critical for the well-being and vitality of the family, community and business.”
“The abuse of substance is not limited only to illegal drugs but even in the prescription of and use of drugs and medication,” he told Variety.
In some instances, Macaranas said instructions regarding the application and medication of drugs are not followed and “this hurts the patients.”
Abuse of legal and illegal drugs costs the communities in lost productivity, crime, preventable health care costs, and social and family disruptions, Macaranas said.
Prevention and treatment of substance abuse promotes better mental health for people of all ages, he added.
Macaranas said the Community Guidance Center, the Department of Public Health and their community partners observe this event every year to raise awareness and understanding of mental health, mental illness and substance abuse.
Macaranas said the Community Guidance Center, the Department of Public Health and their community partners observe this event every year to raise awareness and understanding of mental health, mental illness and substance abuse.
