Statement from Debra L. Wentz, PhD, President and CEO
On behalf of the New Jersey Association of Mental Health and
Addiction Agencies, I extend deepest condolences to the family of
Haiti President Jovenel Moïse, who was assassinated early
yesterday morning, and send warmest wishes to his wife Martine
for recovery from the critical injuries she sustained during this
tragic incident.
While the assassination alone is grievous, this situation is even
more distressing for the citizens of Haiti as they have been
struggling with gang violence and political instability, as well
as ongoing efforts to recover from the devastation wrought by an
earthquake in 2010 and Hurricane Matthew in 2016.
These dire circumstances undoubtedly have profound, long-lasting
impacts on individuals' mental health. The loss of President
Moïse and the uncertainty for Haiti's future will exacerbate the
effects on mental health throughout the country.
The shortage of mental healthcare and substance use disorder
treatment providers in Haiti, which became more pronounced
particularly after the 2010 earthquake that claimed two million
lives, will result in further intensified mental health
challenges, which will likely include substance use, in the
months and potentially years to come.
This is another example of a man-made disaster that could
exacerbate depression, anxiety and other symptoms among
individuals with diagnosed mental illnesses and lead to the
development of such conditions. As we have seen with other
man-made disasters, such as 9/11, as well as natural disasters
and other crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic, the full
continuum of behavioral healthcare services must always be
available for everyone. There are both immediate and lingering
impacts on individuals' mental health, which could include
substance use, that need to be identified and treated early to
significantly reduce the risk of these disorders becoming severe
and potentially leading to suicide or death by overdoses.
