OUR MISSION

BASIMH's mission is to provide culturally and linguistically tailored mental health support, foster family integration, and conduct research-driven advocacy to empower Haitian immigrants and address their unique challenges during community integration.

History of BASIMH

Until 2020, the development of centers and clinics to serve mental health and trauma care in the Haitian community was barely existent. The few clinics that did exist were not culturally or linguistically linked to newcomer services. Recognizing this gap, especially during the influx of traveling migrants across the United States at the end of 2019, it became evident that there was a critical need for culturally and linguistically appropriate mental health services within the Haitian community.

Key challenges included:

Limited mainstream mental health services.
A lack of cultural and linguistic alignment with newcomer needs.
Increased trauma among newcomers, particularly in schools.
Continued fear and insecurity experienced by Haitian migrants.

The magnitude of mental health needs among newcomers grew daily, overwhelming the infrastructure of existing community-based organizations (CBOs). This pressing need led to the creation of BASIMH (Bilingual Alliance for Support in Mental Health) in collaboration with IFSI (Immigrant Family Services Institute).

Formation of BASIMH

BASIMH was established in 2019 during the COVID-19 pandemic to:

Address the unforeseen trauma climate variability impacting the Haitian community.
Serve as a counseling resource for the most vulnerable newcomers.
Foster collaboration among professional practitioners in psychology.

Vision and Goals

BASIMH aims to be a collaborative initiative that builds an alliance of support to respond to new challenges faced by Haitian immigrants. Its integrative model program focuses on fostering a climate of change within the Haitian immigrant community, with three primary pillars:

Psychoeducation: Educating the community about mental health to reduce stigma and promote awareness.
Acculturation Stress and Family Integration: Assisting families in navigating cultural transitions and addressing stress related to integration.
Research and Advocacy: Conducting research to inform advocacy efforts and guide policy development.

Focus Areas

BASIMH's work began with particular attention to:

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The mass migration of Haitians from Latin and South America, often fleeing inhumane living conditions in Haiti.
Addressing the trauma and mental health needs of families settling in new environments.

Collaborative Efforts

BASIMH serves as a central research program in conjunction with IFSI, exploring family ecosystems during and after Haitian integration into the community. The initiative works closely with:

Local policymakers and service providers.
Schools, hospitals, local businesses, churches, and law enforcement to help institutions adjust to the needs of Haitian families.

Aims of BASIMH

Support Providers: Offer resources and guidance to mental health providers working within the Haitian community.
Advocate for Change: Use research findings to advocate for policies that address the needs of Haitian immigrants.
Adapt to Future Challenges: Develop a forward-looking vision to meet unforeseen challenges in the mental health and social services sectors.

BASIMH’s integrative and collaborative approach continues to contribute to the development of IFSI's resources, ensuring that Haitian families receive the support they need to thrive in their new communities.