Converging Impact of the Ongoing Conflict and COVID-19 Pandemic on Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders in Ukraine

Finalizing emergency management professionalization in 2024

This editorial discusses the urgent need to finalize the emerging emergency management profession. Points of reference in the years immediately preceding and throughout the COVID-19 pandemic are recounted and frame some of the essential forward work slated to be started or completed this year in 2024. Activity taking place by connected associations and members of the emerging profession is shared. Legislation filed in Massachusetts to finalize the emerging profession is also shared. Activities needed for the emerging profession are described, and how professionals can help in their role to continue to move these fundamental initiatives forward is outlined. Present considerations should be accounted for, as they threaten the fabric of the emerging profession while at the same time giving us undeniable reasons for why we need to finalize this critical work in 2024 before the next major global disaster.

The new humanitarian crisis in Ukraine: Coping with the public health impact of hybrid warfare, mass migration, and mental health trauma

One of the largest mass movements of displaced people from their homelands in recent history must be recognized and assisted by the Free World. The unprovoked Russian attacks on Ukraine during February-March 2022 will leave long-lasting devastating effects on millions of innocent victims. Nations worldwide, especially NATO member countries, will need to intervene to ameliorate the situation. This letter describes major public health issues apart from the COVID-19 pandemic that are emerging concerns, such as shortages of healthcare professionals, chronic care treatments and health prevention services, disinformation communication campaigns affecting the healthcare infrastructure, and the generational impact of the conflict on people's mental health. A global response and public health support need immediate action including humanitarian assistance, food security, clean water supplies, adequate shelter, and safe transportation out of the active military zones.