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Haiti Earthquake Outreach EffortPODCAST: Stress and Haitian Americans, After the Earthquake January, 2010 The members of the Association for Multicultural Counseling and Development (AMCD) wish to express their deepest concern for those individuals and communities affected by the recent earthquake in Haiti. Because numerous members in our organization have ties to the Haitian and Haitian-American communities, we share much of the shock, pain, sorrow, and grief. In the aftermath of this disaster, we are beside those most directly impacted and offer emotional and tangible support. In the immediate crisis, there are pockets of AMCD members who have already begun to organize disaster response teams for local residents in the U. S. We have also provided a pod cast in partnership with the American Counseling Association (ACA) that offers information in both English and Haitian Creole French on, “Stress and Haitian Americans, After the Earthquake.” Additionally, posted on our web site are other useful resources for practitioners, faculty, and community members. As response teams in Haiti assist the nation to stabilize, many individuals and families will continue to need disaster mental health services and support. As with previous disasters, many AMCD members will organize or join disaster response teams to provide clinical services in affected communities. Further, AMCD will continue to serve as a clearinghouse for information about counseling referral sources, deployment opportunities, and other forms of aid. Finally, as we consider all possible means of support and assistance to the affected communities, it is important to think about the social justice issues that exist and emerge. While pundits and other popularized personalities have made dehumanizing statements that detract from the call for urgency and expediency, AMCD stands firm in its commitment to advocacy and social justice and will continue to speak out against acts of inhumanity. While there are many meaningful and expressive quotes from scholars, sages, and spiritual guides, lyrics sung by the late reggae artist, Bob Marley, seem more appropriate in these hours while we anxiously watch and wait with the Haitian people: “One Love, One Heart” Cirecie West-Olatunji, Ph. D., Chair |
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