After the devastating 5.12 Sichuan Wenchuan Earthquake, in May of 2008, the Beijing Association for Mental Health became actively involved in the earthquake relief work, sending psychological aid teams to the earthquake-hit area, and organizing lectures and training programs on crisis intervention, and continues their work with the families of the April 2010 earthquake in northwest China.

At the invitation of Liu Fuyuan, President of the Beijing Association for Mental Health and Former Vice-president of Chinese Association for Mental Hygiene, participants will have in-depth discussion on topics such as post-disaster reconstruction and maintaining the physical and mental health of the local people, and go to the worst-hit areas of Wenchuan and Shifang to give volunteer counseling to the local people.

We, as American mental health counselors have a wonderful opportunity to be on the front end of forging a global relationship with the Chinese Association for Mental Hygiene. This past year’s tragic earthquakes in Haiti and Chile remind us that victims of trauma and disaster erase all borders. We live in a world that is far more interconnected than in any time in history. It is imperative that response and management of disaster relief reflect the cooperative and collegial spirit that ensures victims coordinated, caring and helpful relief. Our travel to China is the start of the reciprocal dialogue that will serve to aid best practices for early and long-term disaster response, and create professional relationships among American and Chinese mental health counselors and their respective professional organizations.

Following the delegation’s return, a journal documenting the conference, the professional meetings and activities will be provided to each participant. The opportunity to give a professional presentation as part of your participation can also be accommodated as part of the conference program and as compliment to the topics of discussion.

The delegation will depart on October 17, 2010, returning on October 29, 2010. We will meet with our counterparts, participate in intimate dialogue, social events and experience the rich culture of China: we will visit Beijing, Chengdu, Wenchuan, Shifang and Kunming.