253942 Impact of War and Militarism on Minority Communities

Monday, October 31, 2011: 4:45 PM

Carol Easley Allen, PhD, RN , Department of Nursing, Oakwood College, Huntsville, AL
Cheryl E. Easley, PhD, RN , College of Health & Social Welfare, University of Alaska, Anchorage, Anchorage, AK
War and armed conflict have consequences for nations and communities even when the conflict does not occur within their borders. The general impetus toward militarism has implications for societies, determining the focus of investment and industry and to some extent the life choices of citizens. Communities of ethnic and racial minorities are likely to suffer under such circumstances since they are more dependent on critical resources and services that might be curtailed in favor of military build-ups. Minority communities in the US disproportionately contribute young men and women to military services, especially when other opportunities are scarce. Their communities of origin must cope with the resultant impact of loss of family and community members temporarily or permanently and the burden of care for returnees with long term health and mental health needs. All communities may be at risk of abridgement of civil and human rights in the face of actual or impending conflict. In these situations communities that already experience oppression may be at increased risk. Women, children, and other special populations within minority communities may experience particular issues during war or the build up toward war. This presentation will discuss these and other real and potential issues for minority communities in the face of militarism and war.

Learning Areas:
Diversity and culture
Ethics, professional and legal requirements
Provision of health care to the public
Public health or related public policy

Learning Objectives:
1. Describe the impact of war and militarism on minority communities. 2. Describe the roles of health workers in addressing the impact on war and militarism on minority communities.

Keywords: War, Public Health

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: For more than 20 years, I have performed research, taught students and given other lectures, and written extensively in journals and in books concerning the impact of adverse factors, including violence, war, and militarism, on minority communities.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.