VERY Worthwhile Event This Week!

I encourage everyone to attend this upcoming event, sponsored by Howard County Friends of Latin America and the local chapter of Amnesty International.

Dr. Karen Hanscomb, a distinguished humanitarian and psychologist and recipient of the 2001 American Psychological Association's International Humanitarian Award, will speak about the treatment and rehabilitation of victims of torture and trauma.

When: Tuesday, April 4, 2006 at 7:30pm
Where: Wilde Lake Interfaith Center, Room 6
Refreshments will be served.

The APA's International Humanitarian Award recognizes extraordinary humanitarian services and activism by psychologists, including professional and volunteer work conducted primarily in the field with undeserved populations. Award recipients are psychologists who, by their extraordinary service at a difficult time, improve the lives and contribute to the well-being of people in a large or small geographic area anywhere in the world.

Dr. Hanscom's Citation from the APA:

For her commitment to human rights, to the healing of torture victims, and to educating the world community about torture. Karen L. Hanscom has touched the lives of hundreds of women who survived the civil war in Guatemala through her work with the Puentes de Paz health project. In the words of one of the
participants, 'We know nothing about mental health before... Karen gave us a new vision... now I get upset but I know how to deal with it, and I know I'm not alone.' Hanscom has been a driving force in the development of torture treatment programs locally and nationally. Her training programs have contributed to increased understanding of the needs of torture victims by a wide variety of professionals and community groups. Her direct work with torture survivors has changed the lives of many who have suffered the worst experiences imaginable. The reach of her compassion spans the globe.