SUNY New Paltz hosted a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing ceremony today, Oct. 6, to formalize a collaborative relationship agreement between the College and Ben Gurion University in Beer Sheva, Israel.
In January 2015, New Paltz graduate mental health counseling students will travel to the University to participate in a week-long academic and cultural study abroad experience alongside Ben Gurion’s graduate social work students. Together, students will participate in group exercises, field trips and activities related directly to the issues of trauma and disaster.
“Student learning is greatly enhanced through such enriching activities whether semester or summer study abroad sessions, or short yet highly-focused week-long opportunities like what our graduate students will take part in next year,” said President Donald P. Christian. “This MOU allows our students and faculty to participate with their counterparts in a unique, rich, and culturally diverse experience. I hope both universities can learn from each other.”
According to Dr. James Halpern, Director of the Institute for Disaster Mental Health (IDMH), “Bringing together Israeli and American graduate students engaged in disaster preparedness, response and recovery will enable both groups to gain a broader and richer understanding of different types of crises and how to provide the most effective assistance in an ever-changing world.”
He added, “This will augment our mental health counseling program and the great work of our Institute for Disaster Mental Health.”
Dr. Richard Isralowitz, professor of social work and director of the Regional Alcohol and Drug Abuse Research Center at Ben Gurion University, traveled from Israel to attend the signing on behalf of Rivka Carmi, president of Ben Gurion University.
About IDMH
IDMH is a national leader in offering disaster mental health education and training for students, professionals and paraprofessionals. The Institute, comprised of scholars and practitioners dedicated to teaching, research, and service to the community in the area of disaster mental health, is guided by an advisory board of experienced and committed professionals and community leaders active in fields directly related to the work of the Institute. The Board assists in identifying community and professional needs for disaster mental health training; identifying funding sources; and disseminating the work of the IDMH to the public.
