ATOP Meaningfulworld Mental Health Outreach Project goes to Haiti

Jan 2010 – Press release

As most of us have undoubtedly heard and seen the catastrophic effect of the 7.0 magnitude earthquake that struck the nation of Haiti on January 12, 2010, which has debilitated the country leaving over 200,000 dead, thousands injured, and 1.5 million homeless. Haiti’s economy, having been debilitated by political and social instability before the quake, is not well-equipped to deal with the magnitude of this disaster.

At this early stage, many news organizations, such as CNN have reported difficulties in bringing aid to the region as many of Haiti’s ports have also been destroyed by the quake, and its airport was not equipped to handle the large air traffic of incoming aid. Frustration and violence have added to the chaos, and basic supplies such as food, water, clothing and much needed medical care are sought. Stories of missing persons, survival and rescue plague the news. However, the human capacity to bring hope and charity to those in need during these tragic times has paved the way to an outpouring of donations and rescue and medical teams from all over the world: Doctors without Borders, The Red Cross, UNICEF, etc.

Once the rescue efforts have subsided, relief teams have departed only then the planning for psychosocial rehabilitation begins. Haiti will be in need for psychological assistance to cope with the devastation. The loss of loved ones, the loss of limb, the fear of the unknown and what the future will hold for them, is a slow and painstaking psychological recovery process. The Association for Trauma Outreach & Prevention (ATOP) of Meaningfulworld, an international charitable organization devoted to fostering a meaningful, peaceful, and just world, is assisting the Haitian community in NY greater tri-state by providing phone consultations, PTSD briefing, consultations, and education. ATOP is also planning a mission to Haiti starting on March 10th 2010. We have over 15 volunteer professionals who have offered to join our three Missions to Haiti. We invite volunteers fluent in Creole and/or French to aide us in conducting trainings for Haiti’s mental health professionals as well as facilitating healing and processing groups.

This mission however, cannot be successful without your continued and generous support. The aftermath of a disaster follows a long and challenging rehabilitation process. We appeal to you and express gratitude for your kindness for your donation in providing psychosocial and spiritual help to the people of Haiti. Kindly send donations to (checks payable to ATOP): ATOP Meaningfulworld, c/o Dr. Ani Kalayjian.

135 Cedar Street, Cliffside Park, NJ 07010-1003 www.meaningfulworld.com