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Lasting Legacy of War
Fifty two years ago the United States used approximately 19 million gallons of 15 different herbicides, including 13 million gallons of Agent Orange over south Vietnam. Between 2.1-3.4 million Vietnamese were exposed during the spraying and many more continue to be exposed through contamination of the environment.
Methods:
Recent epidemiologic studies, new analysis of Air Force Ranch Hand veterans, Seveso Italy residents, and the latest evaluation of National Academies Science of Science and Agent Orange Report have been reviewed. A delegation of science and public health professionals visited Vietnam to meet with people who have suffered illnesses recognized among US veterans to be associated with the use of Agent Orange/dioxin during the American conflict.
Results:
There is evidence identifying the harmful impact of the use Agent Orange/dioxin on the health of the American soldiers and Vietnamese people and the continuing contamination of the land in south Vietnam.
Conclusion:
The Vietnam Agent Orange Relief and Responsibility Campaign is a national coalition of US veterans, Vietnamese veterans, labor leaders, peace activists, and community leaders working to obtain congressional support for HR 2519 Victims of Agent Orange Relief Act of 2013. This act addresses the ongoing health problems of US veterans, their progeny, the Vietnamese and Vietnamese Americans harmed by the use of Agent Orange/dioxin and offers an opportunity to heal from the terrible suffering and wounds from the Vietnam conflict.
Learning Areas:
Other professions or practice related to public healthLearning Objectives:
Describe the health impact of Agent Orange/dioxin exposure on American soldiers and Vietnamese
Design a public health campaign to provide medical and social services to those harmed by Agent Orange/dioxin
Keyword(s): Social Justice, War
Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am a BSN Stanford University graduate who worked in executive administration positions in New York City public hospitals for 31 years with responsibility for; Quality/Risk/Case Management, Regulatory Affairs. I served in the US Navy from 1967-1969. Am an adjunct assistant professor in School of Continuing Professional Studies at New York University division of Health Policy and Management.
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.