The Haitian American Psychiatric Association, Inc. is a nonprofit mental health organization dedicated to spreading awareness of mental health issues among Haitians in the United States and Haiti. We also strive to engage communities in the development of mental health services locally and abroad.
Dr. Marie Daniella Charles-Belzie
Message from the immediate past President
The years 2020 and 2021 have been a challenging time for all of us. The Covid-19 pandemic has affected all domains of life and has created major struggles for the world. We’ve experienced loss of lives, economic instability, and increased risks for neuropsychiatric disorders. Observing the Haitian slogan “l’ union fait la force”, the members of the Haitian American Psychiatric Association (HAPA) have stepped up to carry out the organization’s mission by supporting Haitians living abroad and in Haiti. In addition to the Covid-19 pandemic, Haiti was hit on August 14, 2021, by another major earthquake that ravaged many already impoverished areas. As a result of varied misfortune, many people have been afflicted with financial problems, medical and mental illnesses. HAPA has been able to provide financial support to many organizations and to medical, spiritual, and educational leaders organizing community relief efforts.
HAPA was founded in 1984 by a group of psychiatrists who wanted to provide mental health awareness to their community. Since then, HAPA has been working with many organizations to “give a voice to the voiceless”. In 2015, HAPA, under the presidential direction of Dr. Louis Belzie started a weekly broadcasting educational program using Radio Soleil to provide important health related information to the Haitian/ Caribbean community. After many successful years, this program remains consistent with the collaboration of the HAPA members and the dedicated staff from Radio Soleil: Dr. Jean Robert Chery, Marcel Picard and the Radio’s Director, Ricot Dupuy. The members have discussed a wide range of topics related to mental illness and the covid-19 pandemic. In 2019, HAPA joined the SUNY Downstate University / Kings County Medical Center Child Fellowship training in an advocacy program to focus on engaging the Caribbean community and support efforts to improve access to care. HAPA is aware of the factors related to health disparities in disadvantaged populations and supports student organizations geared towards increasing a culture of advocacy. This program should be seen as a great opportunity to help the vulnerable.
There is still a lot of work to be done as the world continues to struggle with health issues and disparities. We are grateful for the alignment we have between our members and other leading organizations such as AMHE, SUNY Downstate Medical Center, Rebati sante mentale, many faith leaders and local politicians. Together with them and future collaborations we hope to continue to bring effective resources, foster resilience in people who are seeking comfort and offer them ways to heal.
I have been HAPA President for the past 4 years. I salute all the past Presidents who have given their time and imagination to advance the organization’s mission. I would like to thank all the members for their dedication and commitment to carry out HAPA’s mission as a group. I am looking forward to supporting Dr. Dimitry Francois, the new President and the new Executive Cabinet.
Best wishes for a healthy and happy 2022!
Marie Daniella Charles-Belzie, MD
HAPA, Outgoing President
Our Story
The Haitian American Psychiatric Association Inc. was founded in 1984 by Dr. Jean Tropnas and a group of mental health professionals to address the lack of mental health awareness among Haitian communities living in the United States and in Haiti. Dr. Jean Tropnas was the first President of the association.
The current President is Dr. Dimitry Francois. The Vice-President is Dr. Lesly François and Dr. Josie Francois is the secretary.
Past Presidents
Daniella Charles Belzie
Frantz Lubin
Louis R. Belzie
Marc Vital-Herne
Maurice Masse
Monique Nazon
Pierre Jean-Noel
Junie Kernisan
Paul Pierre-Antoine
Arnold Jacques
Jean B. Tropnas
HAPA New Executive Committee
Dr. Dimitry Francois, President of HAPA
President’s Message
Dear friends and colleagues,
It is my great pleasure to write to you as HAPA President.
I look forward to sustaining and building upon our core missions to educate and advocate. HAPA’s reputation is among its greatest assets. We have earned the trust and respect of the community. Therefore, the opportunities that lie ahead should motivate and excite us all.
I am deeply committed to providing HAPA stability, continuity, and energized direction through 2023.
I continue to be impressed by and proud of the caliber of our members.
It is my priority to cultivate and deepen relationships and build upon the cultural fabric of HAPA, where everyone feels a sense of purpose in our work and a sense of belonging in our interactions.
Thank you all for your invaluable commitment to HAPA.
Dimitry Francois MD, HAPA President.
Established 1984
HAPA Executive Committee
President:
Dimitry Francois, MD
Vice President:
Pierre Leslie François, MD
Secretary:
Josie François, MD
Treasurer:
Louis R. Belzie, MD, MPH
Frantz Lubin, MD
Education & Research:
Roosevelt Clerisme, MD
Pierre Jean-Noel, MD, MBA
Bordes Laurent, MD
Frantz Moise, MD
Jacques Vital-Herne, MD
Fritz Jean-Noel, MD
Frantz Aubry, MD
Tarah Celestin, MD
Murfy Morantus, MD
Public Relations:
Ganaelle Senatus, MD
Sabrina Gratia, DO
Constantin B Canal, MD
Mireille Bastien, RN
Jacqueline Altidor, RN
Lendsa Guillaume, RN
Leila Francois, MD
Jennifer Severe, MD
Jean-Robert Chery, MD
Advocacy:
Daniella Charles Belzie, MD
James Lubin, MD
Cassandra Raphael, MD
Roosevelt Clerisme, MD
Jacques Vital-Herne, MD