OVER a dozen rehabilitation participants and community members on Friday afternoon held a roadside waving activity on Capital Hill in support of the Hinemlu Ohala Para Enteramenti or HOPE Recovery Center.
Located in Marpi, the HOPE Recovery Center opened in 2017 as part of a Substance Abuse, Addiction, and Rehabilitation Program created by then-Gov. Ralph DLG Torres. The center is the CNMI’s first facility dedicated to the treatment of alcohol and substance addiction.
Jun Santos, one of the center’s participants, organized the “Rally for HOPE” event on Friday.
In an interview, he said what prompted him and his peers to stage the rally was the 60-day notice that some of the HOPE staffers received last month.
From Jan. 23 to 27, 2023, government employees under excepted service employment contracts funded by the American Rescue Plan Act or ARPA received a 60-day termination notice.
Variety was told that some staffers of the HOPE Recovery Center are ARPA-funded employees.
Santos said when he and his fellow participants heard about the 60-day notice, they feared that the recovery center may shut down.
Before the November election, he said there were 21 staffers at the center. Right now, there are only three staffers working there, he added.
“Many people need the kind services that the HOPE Center provides,” he said.
Santos said he and his fellow participants want the government to continue the program.
“I was having a hard time to get back on track to recovery. That is why I decided to go to the HOPE Recovery Center because I knew that I needed a secure environment — somewhere safe to get sober,” Santos added.
He said he had been drinking alcohol since 14 years old, and was a meth addict since he was 19.
Today, Santos said he has been sober for one year and three months.
“I owe it all to the HOPE Recovery Center and the program because that really what helped me. If it wasn’t for them, I really don’t believe that I’ll be doing so good right now,” he said.
Hinemlu Ohala Para Enteramenti or HOPE Recovery Center participants hold signs to show support for the program Friday near the governor’s office on Capital Hill.
