Emergency and disaster readiness must consider unique needs of children

Abstract

With the devastation of Hurricane Sandy and the unimaginable tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School still painfully fresh, the Commentary by Lurie and Kahn, published in this issue of The Journal, takes on special poignancy and urgency. The “take-home” message of this Commentary? Emergency and disaster readiness are important public health concerns. Until recently, efforts to promote preparedness for both natural and “man-made” disasters, and more recently, terrorism, typically were not targeted to address the specific needs of special populations, such as children. This Commentary demonstrates how the creation of awareness (through advocacy and education) within key Federal departments and agencies can result in productive collaboration between the public (government, public health) and private (hospitals, physician groups) sectors towards improving our readiness for the unique needs of children. The authors make a compelling case not only to consider the needs of children as survivors, but how youth can be empowered to be part of a whole community response. Article page 274▶ Ensuring the Health Security of America's ChildrenThe Journal of PediatricsVol. 163Issue 1PreviewThe US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has made ensuring the safety and well-being of the nation's children in the wake of disasters and public health emergencies a priority. More than one-quarter of the US population is younger than 20 years of age,1 and addressing the unique physiologic and developmental needs of children must be an explicit part of preparedness and response activities. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the National Commission on Children and Disasters (2008-2011) have advocated for comprehensive planning and policies regarding emergency preparedness for children. Full-Text PDF