MAY is Mental Health Awareness Month.
On Tuesday, Gov. Ralph DLG Torres signed a proclamation encouraging policy makers, nonprofit organizations, schools, businesses, other entities, and the people of the CNMI to observe the month with appropriate programs and activities to promote mental health and wellness for all individuals and families in the Commonwealth.
“Mental health involves our emotional, psychological, and social well-being; therefore, it is crucial for the community to acquire knowledge that mental health affects the way we think, feel, and act,” the proclamation stated.
It added that there is a strong stigma associated with mental health and getting help, often associated with weakness.
This can be attributed to a misunderstanding regarding mental health, along with generational cultural differences, the proclamation stated.
“Mental health is our wealth, as we are able to forgive and be generous to ourselves in times of struggle. We are able to go ‘back to basics,’ where it’s never too late to start again,” the proclamation stated.
National Hospital Week
Governor Torres also signed a proclamation designating May 8 to 14 as National Hospital Week.
The proclamation highlights CHCC, Tinian Health Center, Rota Health Center, and the more than 850 healthcare workers and the innovative ways they support the CNMI community.
“The healthcare workers of the CNMI not only met the challenge of the Covid-19 pandemic, but also continue to play a critical role in the CNMI’s Covid-19 response efforts while providing routine health care for the people of the CNMI,” the proclamation stated.
“National Hospital Week is a time for everyone — individuals, employers, other health care professionals, community leaders and nurses — to recognize the positive impact that health care workers have on our families and friends,” the proclamation added.
“We are honored to celebrate the individuals who are working tirelessly to help others in their greatest time of need, especially during recent periods when the CNMI was experiencing Covid-19 surges.”
The proclamation likewise recognizes National Nurses Week, calling it an opportunity to highlight our CNMI nurses who provide compassionate care for the community while continuing to improve the quality of health care services.
The American Nursing Association’s 2022 theme, “Nurses Make a Difference,” aims to honor the varying roles of nurses and their positive impact on people’s lives.
The governor is also calling upon all residents of the Commonwealth to take an active interest in their health by visiting a doctor or nurse to receive regular check-ups and preventive screenings, staying active, and eating healthy.
Gov. Ralph DLG Torres poses for a photo with Commonwealth Healthcare Corp. and other public health officials and personnel after signing the Mental Health Awareness Month and National Hospital Week proclamations Tuesday at CHCC.
