Paper Series
Pediatric Disaster Science Series
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The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) held the Symposium on Pediatric Disaster Science, led by the Action Collaborative for Disaster Research, on August 1st and 2nd, 2022, in Washington, DC.
The meeting convened a broad representation of subject matter experts, including federal and nonfederal partners, with the goal of presenting the scope of perspectives, information, and scientific needs related to disasters affecting children. Meeting goals were achieved through formal presentations and facilitated discussions that identified high level pediatric disaster research priorities, opportunities for synergistic scientific efforts, and considerations and strategies to effectively advance pediatric disaster science to improve outcomes for children in disasters.
The Symposium created a collection of works as a compilation of perspectives, ideas, and discussions shared, with follow-on considerations for the field. Associated articles in this Symposium collection of works were submitted after the meeting by experts in the field; these pieces augment some of the themes and key concepts identified throughout the Symposium.
Dec 9, 2024Commentary
The Important Role of Schools Following Disaster Events
After disaster exposure, children are at risk for developing physical health problems, mental health symptoms, and difficulties in school. The hallmark mental health symptom observed among children after a disaster is post-traumatic stress (e.g., flashbacks, nightmares, avoidance of reminders of the disaster, hypervigilance). Some children report elevated distress that may benefit from mental health service interventions. For instance, five […]
Children and FamiliesPreparedness and ResponsePrevention
Dec 9, 2024Discussion Paper
Advancing United States-Based Child and Family Reunification Disaster Science
Introduction Family reunification, the process of bringing members of a family, specifically children, back together after an event, is an essential component of disaster preparedness and management. Natural and mass casualty (no-notice) disasters can strike at any time, separate families and friends, create victims who may not be able to identify themselves, and have the potential to displace persons from […]
Children and FamiliesBiomedical ResearchPatient and Consumer IssuesPreparedness and Response
Oct 14, 2024Discussion Paper
Using DNA to Reunify Families Separated by Disasters
ABSTRACT | In the aftermath of disasters, prompt and safe family reunification is crucial, especially for pre-verbal children separated from their families. Settings may remain unsafe in the aftermath of disasters, and without the application of technology, traditional efforts to reunify families can be prolonged. DNA technologies offer a powerful tool for facilitating family reunification after disasters with high accuracy, building […]
Biomedical ResearchChildren and FamiliesPreparedness and Response
Oct 14, 2024Commentary
Three Strategies to Strengthen Child Disaster Research
Today’s children are expected to experience two to seven times more disaster events than their grandparents (Thiery et al., 2021). Climate-related disasters such as floods, hurricanes, and wildfires are key drivers of the outsized impacts disasters will have on children. Children are at heightened risk for negative consequences following disasters. Children often have limited ability to protect themselves, and […]
Children and FamiliesHealth Policy and RegulationPreparedness and Response
Sep 30, 2024Commentary
Planning for Children in Disasters: Education and Strategies for the Best Outcomes
Longstanding Gaps in Pediatric Disaster Preparedness Disasters overwhelm health care resources and endanger everyone in a community. Children are more vulnerable to disasters than healthy adults for several reasons. They lack the problem-solving skills, strength, and self-advocacy to ensure personal safety. They are more prone to injury and heat- and cold-related illnesses. Children are more likely to live in areas […]
Children and FamiliesPreventionWorkforce and Interprofessionalism
Sep 30, 2024Commentary
Providing Effective Support to All Children in the Aftermath of Disasters: A Persistent Gap in Research, Policy, and Practice
The 2010 report of the National Commission on Children and Disasters recommended that the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) should “enhance the research agenda for children’s disaster mental and behavioral health, including psychological first aid, cognitive-behavioral interventions, social support interventions, bereavement counseling and support, and programs intended to enhance children’s resilience in the aftermath of a […]
Children and FamiliesHealth Policy and Regulation
Sep 30, 2024Commentary
Pediatric Health Care Provision in Rural Oklahoma: A Disaster in Waiting
Pediatric Disaster Medicine in Oklahoma Oklahoma, the famed Sooner State, is home to an estimated 4,019,800 people and is known for its cowboy culture, Native American heritage, energy, agriculture, and Route 66. The picturesque south-central plains are located in Tornado Alley and endure extreme heat, ice storms, earthquakes, flooding, thunderstorms, and tornados on an almost annual basis. Oklahoma is also no stranger to […]
Children and FamiliesHealth Policy and RegulationPreparedness and Response
Sep 23, 2024Discussion Paper
Pediatric Disaster Science: Understanding Needs, Highlighting Imperatives, and Leveraging Opportunities
ABSTRACT | The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) Symposium on Pediatric Disaster Science, which was led by the Action Collaborative for Disaster Research, was held August 1st and 2nd, 2022, in Washington, DC. The meeting convened a broad representation of subject matter experts, including federal and nonfederal partners, with the goal of presenting the scope of perspectives, information, […]
Biomedical ResearchChildren and FamiliesPreparedness and Response
