Over 100 Gather to ‘Light Up the Night’ for Suicide Prevention and Recovery

​Bearing glowing lights and messages of solidarity, more than a hundred community members gathered at Minachom Atdao on September 18 for the sixth annual “Light Up the Night” event, uniting to champion mental health, suicide prevention, and addiction recovery across the Commonwealth.

​Held in observance of Prevention and Recovery Awareness Month (PRAM)—celebrated throughout September and October—this year’s gathering centered on the theme “Rooted to Rise.” The evening served as a visible reminder that hope, healing, and community connection remain accessible to anyone facing hardship.

​The evening began along the roadside, where participants spent 30 minutes waving banners and signs to passing motorists to spark awareness during the afternoon commute. As dusk fell, attendees transitioned into the scheduled program, with the light waving and ceremony officially getting underway at 6:30 p.m.

​Serving as the master of ceremonies, Josh Castro welcomed the crowd and emphasized the importance of showing up for one another. He shared that the walk represented a collective commitment to walking alongside peers through difficult times, reinforcing that hope is worth holding onto, recovery is possible, prevention is everyone’s responsibility, asking for help is a sign of strength, and no one should have to walk alone.

​Deacon Tony Yarobwemal then led the gathering in prayer, offering words of solace for grieving families and strength for those wrestling with silent battles. He prayed for individuals struggling with depression, loneliness, and anxiety, asking that the lights shared throughout the evening serve as a lasting symbol of hope. He urged the community to continue breaking the silence, removing stigma, and building an environment where everyone feels seen, heard, valued, and loved.

​Historically hosted in central Garapan, this year’s event shifted to Minachom Atdao under new coordinating leadership. PRAM Co-Chair Arlene explained that the venue changes allowed organizers to seamlessly integrate the roadside waving with the walk, while expanding reach for the campaign’s critical message. She reminded attendees that suicide and substance use challenges persist in the CNMI, emphasizing that asking for help is never a sign of weakness, but rather a profound reflection of personal strength.

​Before the procession stepped off, organizers distributed battery-operated candles designated for three intentions: lighting the path of hope and healing for the broader community, honoring survivors grieving the loss of a loved one to suicide and extending support to suicide attempt survivors actively navigating their recovery journey.

​Led by student cadets from the Marianas High School and Kagman High School battalions, the candlelit procession moved along the coastal pathway toward the Civic Center basketball court before circling back, illuminating the shoreline as an enduring symbol of unity, healing, and community resilience.