The Asociación de Psicología was awarded a Presidential Citation for coming to the forefront to repair not only the physical destruction of the island, but the psyche of those who consider Puerto Rico their home.
On Dec. 31, 2017, the opportunity affords itself to reflect on what has transpired during the year. This year is a particularly important year in that the APA, one of the most revered and longest existing societies, celebrated its 125th anniversary. Our 120,000 members celebrated an iconic history of individuals contributing to the betterment of society. Some did so through science, others through pedagogy, and some through clinical service. We have done so day in and day out, by literally working through long periods of trauma with an entire society in severed distress.
On Sept. 20, 2017, Hurricane Maria, as category 4, plummeted Puerto Rico leaving the island with many dead and many more without basic needs such as food, water, shelter or electricity. Many residents of the "Isla del Encanto" lost their livelihoods, the entire island lost its direction, sense of safety and even sense of support from others. During this darkest period of Puerto Rican history one group came to the forefront to repair not only the physical destruction of the island but the psyche of those who consider Puerto Rico their home.
The psychologists of Puerto Rico, whether those living there or visiting the island during the holidays, came together partially through the good will and organization of the Asociación de Psicología de Puerto Rico. Through actual physical reconstruction of buildings and homes, through workshops about disaster relief, through providing pro bono as well as special services, the psychologists of Puerto Rico did in response to these catastrophic hurricanes, what many of us on the mainland and APPR members aspire to do for others.
With deep appreciation for Puerto Rican psychologists doing what really matters, helping others, especially during dire times of need, the final APA presidential citation of our 125th anniversary year is presented to the Asociación de Psicología de Puerto Rico and all the psychologists who have gone beyond the call of duty to help their fellow men and to illustrate for the rest of us what psychology is really made of.