THE ROLE OF TRADITIONAL MEDICINE IN HAITIAN HEALTH CARE

DJENANE S. GOURGUE passionately advocates for Haitian culture, health, women, books, arts, and fashion. She is based in West Palm Beach, Florida, where she hosts a signature event called Pink Noire. In addition to her advocacy work, Gourgue is a breast cancer survivor who has turned her personal experience into a mission of supporting fellow survivors, particularly within the Caribbean community. Her dedication to her cause and community is evident in her work, as her efforts have raised awareness about important issues and provided much-needed support and resources for those in need. She plays a significant role in the Haitian-American Chamber of Commerce as its vice president, contributing to the strategic management of Haitian interests locally and internationally for economic mobility and stability. Her work involves promoting and supporting commercial and cultural relations through learning, networking opportunities, and skilled workforce development while focusing on revenue growth. Gourgue's leadership has been instrumental in the success of various programs and activities conducted by the chamber.

LILIANE NÉRETTE LOUIS, renowned Haitian folk artist, is celebrated for her storytelling and traditional cooking and medicine. Born in Haiti, she moved to New York in 1964, fleeing the Duvalier regime, before settling in Miami in 1977. With degrees from Barry University, she retired as a health information manager in 1999. Louis is a recognized master artist in the Florida Folklife Apprenticeship Program and a Florida Folk Heritage Award honoree, acclaimed for her Haitian heritage tales and cooking demonstrations. She’s authored works including When Night Falls, Kric! Krac!: Haitian Folktales, and Pumpkin Soup is for Sunday, keeping the traditional "kont” or tales alive; often serving as both entertainment and moral lessons, her tales begin with “Krik? Krak!” Additionally, Louis  educates many on Haitian cooking and traditional uses of plants in Haitian culture, emphasizing her multifaceted expertise and dedication to preserving and sharing her rich cultural heritage.

MAX OLIVIER CARRÉ, born in 1982, is a Haitian American entrepreneur, author, speaker, and pastor who's passionate about natural health. He possesses more than 10 years of medical experience and specializes in herbal remedies, a skill through which he serves as a natural health consultant and runs several natural health clinics in North Miami and Lauderdale Lakes, Florida. Carré offers home visits to individuals severely affected by health crises, especially in the Palm Beach area. He has also written numerous e-books, primarily focusing on network marketing, leadership, herbal medicines, and more. His work extends beyond writing to include speaking engagements and pastoral duties. In addition to his professional pursuits, he is a dedicated husband and father, balancing his personal life with his commitment to helping others achieve their health goals. His mission is to impact the lives of families through herbal medicine, and he believes financial constraints shouldn't limit access to health and wellness. To this end, he has organized fundraisers to provide herbal remedies to families in need. Carré's dedication to natural health healing and commitment to helping others make him a respected figure in natural medicine.

WAGNER LALANNE is a dedicated practitioner in the natural health field, with a career spanning across three decades, and has served as a doctor at the Lalanne Clinic since March 1990. Wagner’s journey in natural health is deeply rooted in his Haitian heritage, reflected in his approach to medicine. His work extends beyond the clinic, as he has also contributed to the field through various mediums, such as interviews and videos. In addition to his work at the Lalanne Clinic, Wagner has also worked at WSUIONLINE.COM. His educational background includes studying at the Clayton College of Natural Health, further solidifying his expertise in the field. His commitment to natural health and wellness is evident in his extensive work, and his dedication to his patients and contributions to the field make him a respected figure in natural medicine.