
Mehadin Arafeh, MD
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Dr. Mehadin Arafeh, 93, a respected psychiatrist and mental health administrator, died on November 6th at his home in Middletown, CT. Dr. Arafeh was widely recognized for his leadership and contributions to psychiatry, both nationally and internationally. His distinguished career in mental health was marked by dedication, compassion, and humility. He lived with integrity, always prioritizing the well-being of others.
Born in Damascus, Syria in 1931, Arafeh earned his medical degree from the Syrian University School of Medicine. At 25, he continued his studies at Emory University Hospital in Atlanta; the University of Pennsylvania and Mercy-Douglas Hospital in Philadelphia; New York University in New York City with his psychiatry residency at New York University-Bellevue Medical Center in 1959.
Dr. Arafeh joined Connecticut Valley Hospital (CVH) in Middletown, CT and rose through the ranks to become Superintendent, a position he held for 14 years.
After leaving CVH, Dr. Arafeh held several positions of note: Director of Quality Assurance for the CT State Mental Health Department, Assistant Clinical Professor at Yale University School of Medicine, Consultant and Psychiatrist-in-Chief of the Adult Treatment Unit at Elmcrest Psychiatric Institute, internationally as Chief of Medical Staff and Director of Psychiatry and Redevelopment at Shehar Mental Health Hospital, and as Director of Medical Students at King Abdul Aziz University of Medicine both in Saudi Arabia.
Upon returning to the U.S., Dr. Arafeh held additional roles as the Medical Director of the Division of Mental Health and Substance Abuse and Chairman of the Department of Psychiatry at Meriden-Wallingford Hospital, Medical Director of the Division of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services at Veterans Memorial Medical Center/Mid-State, clinical psychiatry with CT Behavioral Health Association, and private practice until his retirement in 2013.
He was an active member of numerous professional organizations, including the American Medical Association, the American Psychiatric Association, and the American Association of Psychiatric Administrators, where he served as national president in 1979. He was also actively involved in the CT State Medical Society, Psychiatric Society, CT Board of Mental Health, CT Hospital Association, Middlesex County Medical and Psychiatric Associations, and the Medical Advisory Board to the CT Retirement Commission. Notably, Dr. Arafeh was a founder and Chairman of the Board of the CT Legal Rights Project, Inc., and served as Secretary of the World Medical Association's Plenary Session in Honolulu, Hawaii. Dr. Arafeh was named a CT Twentieth Century Pilgrim and honored as an American Psychiatric Association 50-Year Distinguished Life Fellow.
He enjoyed participating in Middletown civic life including through the Conversational Club, Rotary International, Gilead House, Mayor's Committee on Ethics, and Mayor's Committee on Treatment and Rehabilitation of Drug Users (past Chairman).
Much loved as a compassionate advocate for humanity and dignity, Dr. Arafeh's vision, humor, warmth, and empathy were unique and valued by all he touched.
Dr. Arafeh is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years, Barbara (Waterman) Arafeh; brother Abdul Khader Arafeh of Riyad, Saudi Arabia; daughter Sousan Arafeh (Andrew Hudson) of Lyme, CT; son Michael Arafeh of Middletown; daughter Joyce Haase (William Haase) of Molokai, Hawaii; three grandchildren Evelyn Haase, Benton Arafeh-Hudson, and Elsie Arafeh-Hudson; and many dear nieces and nephews worldwide.
Family and friends may call on Saturday, November 9th for 2:00-3:00 PM at the Doolittle Funeral Home, 14 Old Church St, Middletown. At 3:00 PM there will be a memorial service at the funeral home. Immediately following, at 4:00-6:00 PM, there will be a celebration of Dr. Arafeh's life at the Community Health Center of Middletown, 675 Main Street, Middletown. Please join us to share memories of a life well lived. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in his name to Doctors Without Borders www.doctorswithoutborders.org. To share memories or send condolences to the family, please visit www.doolittlefuneralservice.com.
