Honoring the Haitian Flag and Addressing Immigration Stress: Lakay Acces Sante's Event Recap

Hillside, New Jersey: On May 18, 2024, Lakay Acces Sante orchestrated a moving gathering at the Hillside Library, dedicated to honoring the Haitian Flag and tackling the pervasive issue of immigration stress among Haitian immigrants in New Jersey. The event served as a beacon of unity, drawing together individuals from diverse backgrounds for a day of reflection, education,and community support.

The proceedings commenced with a warm welcome from volunteer Rose Natacha Joseph, followed by insightful moderation by Stephania. The atmosphere was further enriched by Mr. Joseph Yachniv’s stirring rendition of the Haitian National Anthem, setting a tone of reverence
and pride. Lukenson Francois, CEO of Lakay Acces Sante, then delivered a heartfelt opening speech, articulating the organization’s commitment to serving the Haitian community.
Throughout the afternoon, attendees were treated to a series of enriching activities and presentations. Attizai.com’s illuminating video shed light on the historical genesis of the Haitian flag, while another offered a captivating glimpse into the traditional celebrations of Haitian Flag Day in Cap Haitian.
A highlight of the event was the interactive Kahoot game, which engaged participants in a spirited exploration of Haitian Flag history, fostering camaraderie and knowledge-sharing.
Dr. Ghislaine Meance, a distinguished psychologist from the Multicultural Counseling Testing Center, delivered a thought-provoking presentation on stress management. The session, which spanned 45 minutes, delved into the multifaceted nature of stress, its physiological and
psychological impacts, and strategies for coping and resilience. Several attendees courageously
shared their personal experiences, shedding light on the profound challenges faced by Haitian immigrants, from the trauma of gang violence to the everyday struggles of adaptation and survival. In addition to educational sessions, participants indulged in interactive activities aimed at promoting holistic wellness and self-care. From learning relaxation techniques to engaging in personalized wellness assessments, attendees embraced the opportunity for introspection and growth.
The event culminated in a moment of gratitude and recognition, as Lakay Acces Sante honored Dr. Ghislaine Meance and Dr. Amanda Birnbaum for their unwavering dedication to the organization’s mission.
In his closing remarks, Lukenson Francois expressed heartfelt appreciation to the attendees and reiterated the importance of collective action in supporting Lakay Acces Sante’s initiatives. He extended invitations for continued involvement, including volunteering for ESL classes and
health education workshops.
An evaluation of the event revealed overwhelmingly positive feedback, with participants lauding the organization, presentations, and the significance of the topics discussed. Constructive suggestions for improvement were duly noted, including considerations for outdoor venues and enhanced social media promotion for future events.

With 29 attendees expressing satisfaction and gratitude, the event stood as a testament to the resilience and solidarity of the Haitian immigrant community in New Jersey.
For further information about Lakay Acces Sante and upcoming events, please visit
www.lakayaccessante.org.

About Lakay Acces Sante

Lakay Acces Sante INC is a public health nonprofit organization that promotes health equity and social justice through community initiatives that improve health and human services access for the most vulnerable and underserved populations, namely Haitian immigrants living in the U.S. We mobilize, empower, and connect community members to create a healthier life together. Our work consists of shaking up the status quo of health and human services, ensuring that every person, regardless of their background or circumstances, has access to the care they need and deserve. Imagine a world where top-notch healthcare and human services aren’t a privilege but a basic right for all. That’s the
world we’re contributing to forging—a future where socio-structural barriers are things of the past. Through grassroots efforts and relentless advocacy, we’re reshaping the health landscape into one that’s inclusive, compassionate, and entirely focused on the individual. We target people with the heaviest burden of disease or highest barriers to accessing health and human services, namely: immigrants (primarily Haitian immigrants), women, children, people living with a chronic illness or any functional limitation, the unemployed, homeless, LGBTQ, and elderly people.
Ready to join the movement? Explore our work further at www.lakayaccessante.org and become a part of something truly transformative!

Relive the Highlights in Images: Celebrating Haitian Flag Day and Addressing Immigration Stress