APHA Letter to Members
September 18, 2001
Dear APHA Colleague:
It has been a week since the terrible tragedy of September 11. In some ways, the events seem like a bad dream; in other ways, they are all too real and have forever redefined our lives as individuals and as a nation.
We have informed officials in the terrorist attack areas of our availability to support their communities. The need for mental health services and grief counseling is especially acute as the initial shock and disbelief fade. Mental health experts from our membership have generously come forward. We are now working with the Public Health Association of New York City, federal and state agencies and private organizations to develop a plan of action. Our goal is to develop a sustained effort to help people cope with their loss and rebuild their lives.
For the long term, we are working with our partners in the public health community on strategies to strengthen the public health infrastructure to address unpredictable and unprecedented attacks in the future. This will be a challenge knowing that vast amounts of resources will be diverted to military tactics. APHA members must rally to advance the public health agenda. At the same time, we must address the root causes that breeds terrorism: poverty and injustice in too many corners of the globe.
A few members have asked if this year’s Annual Meeting will take place. Absolutely! These vicious attacks underscore the profound importance of our Meeting theme, One World: Global Health. More than ever, the public health community must unite to gain comfort and inspiration from each other as we develop greater capacity to protect the public’s health for all future times.
We have also added the following two special programs for the Meeting:
- A late breaker session about the public health implications of the recent events; and,
- An Executive Board open session to hear from you on ways APHA can support public health preparedness for the future.
APHA has a security firm to monitor all meeting functions and events. We are currently working with our security company on providing extra security in meeting areas. In addition, we are advising all attendees to follow the newly mandated security procedures for air travel and allow plenty of time for travel to and from Atlanta. I was much heartened by the correspondence from two members who worked in the World Trade Center: they still want to come to the APHA Meeting, but asked for alternatives to air travel. As a result, additional travel information has been posted on APHA’s Web site.
I believe that the public health work force will come together with great resolve to address the current issues related to terrorism and its effect on the health and welfare of the American people. Take heart! Just as public health has conquered the plagues of past centuries, our courage and wisdom will win over the terrorism epidemic of today. We will build One World: Global Health -- a world in which every person has the opportunity to enjoy good health and live in peace.
My very best to you and your loved ones.
Kindest personal regards,
Mohammad N. Akhter
Executive Director
American Public Health Association
|