History of BASIMH

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.

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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.

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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 (Building Alliance for Support in Mental Health) in collaboration with IFSI (Immigrant Family Services Institute).

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