Welcome to the HAPA site. Established in 1984, HAPA is celebrating its 25 years of providing services to the Haitian community. This site is designed to serve both the HAPA membership and the general public. Information is provided as a public service to assist visitors in understanding the various factors affecting the mental health of the Haitian community.

Please note, HAPA is not responsible to give consultations for specific problems. This site is designed for general information only.

HAPA History

excerpted from HAPA newsletter article written by Jean Tropnas, M.D.

On June 2, 1984, a group of Haitian psychiatrists met at Kingsboro Psychiatric Center in Brooklyn N.Y. to discuss how they could better use their expertise to make a difference in the lives of Haitians suffering from mental illness. They wanted to band together to educate the Haitian community about mental illness and to have a voice in regional and national forums where their careers and the mental health of minority population were decided upon...

From June 1984 through November 1985, several meetings took place where the following agendas were discussed and implemented: creation of an association, goals of the association, structure and by-laws, recruitment of members, liaison with other professionals and community groups.

On November 24, 1985, the official inauguration of the Haitian Psychiatrist Association took place at La Detente Restaurant with the first executive committee presided by Dr. Tropnas. He remained president from 1986-1987. Then, the following presidents led the Association during its younger years: Dr. Jacques (1988-1989), Dr. Pierre-Antoine (1990-1992) and (1992-1994), Dr. Kernisan (1994-1996).

Dr. Jean-Noel became president in 1997. With the support of members, he renamed the group: Haitian American Psychiatric Association (HAPA). Dr. Jean-Noel remained president for four years. He was followed by Dr. Nazon (2001-2002), Dr. Masse (2003-2004) and Dr. Belzie (2005-2008).

These are some of the accomplishments of HAPA to date: community workshops, conferences for HAPA members and the general public, workshops at APA annual meetings, conventions at AMHE annual meetings, computer classes for members, presentations through the media, a quarterly newsletter, contracts with AMHE, LAKOU LAKAY, HAUP, and Haitian Flatbush Center and much more. The HAPA Radio Program is on every Sunday at 10:30AM.

The HAPA members welcome the new president Dr. Marc Vital-Herne.