(PSS) — On Monday, March 8, 2021, the Public School System’s mental health program, Project Haligi Aware, held a professional development entitled “Mental Health Matters” with Sinapalo Elementary and Rota Head Start’s teachers and staff to communicate the importance of mental health. Haligi Aware continues to promote mental health advocacy and efficient self-care strategies, coping skills, and stress management through a variety of services, including the professional growth of educators.
The Public School System’s mental health program, Project Haligi Aware, conducted a professional development session on Rota recently.
PSS photo
Sinapalo Elementary School principal, Daisy Quitugua, said, “We appreciate the team making time to come out to Rota and having this mental health workshop offered to us. This brought the teachers and staff back to feeling like a complete person again. Knowing that we are two weeks away from the first anniversary of Covid-19 is even more important to learn these strategies and make things feel a little easier. Taking a mindful minute and practicing mindful exercises can help us re-align and be one with ourselves again.”
Haligi Aware met with State Board of Education Vice Chairman retired SGM Herman Atalig who said, “With all the things happening in the world, we need to focus on our students’ mental health. Another concern is to make sure our teachers and staff are in good mental health to provide care to our students and support their emotional needs. Project Haligi Aware will mean a lot to our kids and do a lot for our community. They are our front liners and crisis action response team for mental health.”
Haligi Aware prepares our teachers and administrative staff to recognize and respond to behavioral health and mental health issues among our students. Establishing this would give our students immediate on-site response and referral. Haligi Aware also had the opportunity of meeting with Rota Mayor, Efraim Atalig, and he said, “I am so happy that these types of services are offered to the people of the CNMI. The pandemic and typhoons are stressful for us. It is good that we are recognizing the need and offering these services to our community. We need to encourage our kids to take advantage of the services offered because they are our future. We need to show our kids that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. By simply starting the conversation, we can make our kids feel like they are supported and that we are here to help.”
Haligi Aware is designed to support all students throughout the CNMI and help those who experience hopelessness, depression and work towards resilience/strength. Program Director Dr. Yvonne R. Pangelinan, shared “We want to work with our school teachers, counselors, and staff because everyone has experienced some sort of trauma in their lives. If we don’t help provide the support, our teachers and staff require, how do we expect them to be the supportive individual our students need. Our people have built a legacy of strength, and we want to continue that. Being strong does not mean that we do not feel stressed or that we do not feel anxious; we are strong because we know how to reach out and ask for help.”
Haligi Aware will implement behavioral health methods that help give access to reliable services within the school and community. Dr. Jennifer Maratita, licensed mental health specialist, shared, “There has been an increase in mental health referral services. Students are showing higher rates of depression and suicide ideation. Haligi Aware helps us give the community resources and our students the ability to receive specialized treatment in a safe environment. Research shows that our students are likely to be more successful in getting the treatment they need for depression in the school setting.”
Program Co-Director Dr. Bobby Cruz shared “In order to create thriving and healthy communities, we need to change the conversation about mental health and tear down the stigma that prevents people from getting the necessary help that they need. We want people to say that they need help and know who to go to for support. This is particularly important as we strive to ensure that our students achieve academic success and overall emotional wellness.”
Haligi Aware supports the CNMI PSS goal of providing a safe and caring learning environment that supports all students’ behavioral health and academic achievement. Haligi is the Chamorro term for the pillar of the Latte Stone, and like the haligi, we are here to support you.
In the months to follow, Haligi Aware will continue to provide a multi-tiered system of support for the optimal mental wellness of our students, teachers and community.
If you or someone that you care for needs immediate support, please call:
• PSS Student and Support Services at 664-3822. Office hours are from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday.
• Systems of Care at 664-4604. Office hours are from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday.
• The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1(800) 273-8255 which provides counseling and support 24 hours a day.
• If it is an emergency, call 911 or go to the CHCC Emergency Room.