Bedford Foundation Helps Haitians Recover From Post-Traumatic Stress

Bedford residents Stephen and Liz Alderman lost their son, Peter, on 9/11. Following their devastating loss, the Aldermans struggled to find a meaningful way to remember him.

While watching Nightline one night, Liz Alderman learned that approximately a billion people are victims of torture, terror and war, and up to 40% are so mentally incapacitated that they can no longer function. Out of their personal tragedy sprang hope for those victims.

They founded the Peter C. Alderman Foundation which has as its mission the training of health care professionals on how to treat people who are suffering from post-traumatic-stress disorder. They've already made a difference in war-torn countries around the world, and now, they've joined efforts with Partners in Health to help victims of the earthquake in Haiti.

"People look shell-shocked," said Alderman. "Mental disturbance is already a major public health concern, but based on our experience, our initial steps are to take care of a person's physical well being--getting them warm, safe, dry and fed," he said. 

The earthquake in Haiti killed 230,000 people, left half a million homeless and will have the country rebuilding for years. But mental anguish can be a barrier to rebuilding and recovery, according to Alderman. 

"Between 40 and 70 percent of the population suffers from PTSD, but targeted therapies, including psychiatric and psychosocial intervention can help as many as 90 percent of the victims return to productive lives," said Alderman.

According to Dr. Sonali Sharma, Instructor of Clinical Psychology at Columbia University, PTSD is a constellation of symptoms in response to a significant traumatic event that results in flashbacks, hyperarousal and states of psychic numbing. Occupational ability is impaired, relationships are strained and overall health declines. 

"It has reverberating effects on every sphere of life," she said.

The Alderman's believe that a national mental health plan must be written for Haiti that will be passed into law. They are working with the Haitian government and other international agencies to address the issues, and, Alderman said, "they are looking at us to take the lead."

Alderman hopes that the U.S. government will deal with Haiti directly. "There are so many charities, foundations and NGO's operating on the ground; we need to focus the aid efforts," he said. 

Alderman emphasized that not taking broad action in Haiti will result in dire consequences including rising suicide rates, and violent and drug-related incidents.

Sharma agreed, noting, "it's more than a rebuilding effort—the work to help Haiti recover is a public health issue, said Sharma. 

The Alderman have traveled around the world to set up training clinics and partnerships with governement and nonprofits in conflicted countries. Almost ten years after the death of their son, the Aldermans have given hope to thousands of people in his name.