ATOP’s Mental Health Outreach Project to Armenia: Second Team

Press Release June 2008

New York, NY: The Association for Trauma Outreach and Prevention (ATOP) has organized the second team of the Mental Health Outreach Project (MHOP) in Armenia from June 12- 22. Dr. Ani Kalayjian and Ani Jilozian, President and Public Relations Coordinator for ATOP, respectively, will be delivering this mission to Armenia.  They will be conducting post-disaster humanitarian outreach training projects, delivering lectures, working with refugees from Iraq, visiting orphanages, and setting agendas for collaborative research and future trainings. This MHOP team will be conducting training at the Stress Center.  In addition the MHOP team will visit the FAR Children’s Center to train the personnel, social workers, and psychologists in preventative and restoration methods for treating children with trauma.  They will utilize Dr. Kalayjian’s Biopsychosocial & Spiritual Model to administer the program.

The team will also work with the Office of UN High Commissioner for Refugees in Yerevan who are working with the Iraqi refugees migrated to Armenia.

The team will visit various children’s centers (previously called orphanages) as part of second phase of a 10-year follow-up mission to observe progress and development. Donations of clothing and supplies from several generous individuals will be given out at these centers.

The team has been invited to travel to Nagorno Karapagh to assess the needs of war torn enclave, and develop training for their mental-health professionals, to conduct research, and to help the Children’s Centers. Currently ATOP has undertaken the Sponsor an Armenian Child Project: By donating $250, you can help support a child for one year, including food, clothing, and education. Please send your tax-deductible donations to ATOP and make a difference in a child’s life. You will receive a photo of the child and will be able to communicate with him or her on regular basis. Mail your checks to ATOP, subject: Sponsor Armenian Child, 135 Cedar Street, Cliffside Park, NJ 07010-1003, or visit our website at www.meaningfulworld.com.

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