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FAMCD President LetterJanuary 17, 2010 On behalf of the Florida Association for Multicultural Counseling and Development (FAMCD), our hearts go out to those impacted by the earthquake in Haiti. We understand that this event has affected the country of Haiti, as well as Haitian and Haitian American communities in the U.S. and around the world. In the spirit of Ubuntu, or interconnectedness, we offer our support and our love to those impacted by the earthquake. Following this event, our organization began to mobilize resources to assist Haitians and Haitian Americans. In collaboration with the American Counseling Association (ACA), the Association for Multicultural Counseling and Development (AMCD) Outreach Committee has created a podcast addressing disaster-related distress in relation to the recent crisis in Haiti. The podcast is now available at: www.counseling.org. Featuring Dr. Cirecie West-Olatunji and Shirley St Juste, symptoms of distress, culturally responsive interventions, and resources for support are discussed. The podcast provides information in both English and Haitian Creole French and includes information relevant for mental health service providers and lay people. FAMCD is also working closely with the AMCD Outreach Committee to create an index of culture-centered counseling resources that will be available on the AMCD website: www.amcdaca.org. Given the significant Haitian and Haitian American communities in our state, we understand that many in Florida have been directly impacted by the earthquake. FAMCD is committed to supporting the Haitian and Haitian American community, and to ensuring that individuals receive appropriate services that are culturally responsive. We encourage service providers and those wishing to help in the disaster effort to consult the resources provided on the AMCD website and to be mindful of relevant cultural and contextual issues. Please be considerate of socio-political factors, such as the possibility that some individuals may not have documentation of legal residence. As service providers, our focus is on providing culturally sensitive services to all individuals in need, regardless of legal documentation. In times of disaster, it is of utmost importance that service providers are knowledgeable and culturally competent in order to avoid aggravating the existing distress. We move forward with our response effort in the spirit of understanding, humanity, and healing. We welcome those interested in providing direct or indirect services. Please contact us directly to volunteer or to obtain additional information. Rachael D. Goodman, Ph.D. |
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