A letter from your president
Dear Fellow Member,
In NAPNAP’s national office, a poster hangs on a wall featuring the photography of Anne Geddes. Above the photo of a peacefully sleeping infant is an inscription: “We are all responsible for all of the children all of the time.”
As a pediatric nurse practitioner, I feel the weight and urgency of that message now more than ever before, as a result of the impact of the war between Israel and Hamas on its most vulnerable victims — children.
In times of war, children are uniquely impacted when exposed to violence, terror and horror. Such exposure can lead to short- and long-term psychological suffering and high rates of depression and anxiety. Impacted children can also be subject to posttraumatic stress disorder.
Swift action must be taken to better support children and their families. International humanitarian law protects children in armed conflict, granting them special respect and protection. NAPNAP calls on all combatants to shield all children in this crisis.
NAPNAP stands with the health care providers and organizations on the ground who are supporting the children and families affected by this war. All children should be screened for signs or symptoms of physical and mental stressors that are common in children and teenagers living through armed conflicts.
Here in the U.S., many families are impacted as their loved ones are caught in the conflict and as children and adolescents witness the violence on news broadcasts and social media. As experts in pediatrics and advocates for children, NAPNAP has compiled resources for providers, parents and children dealing with challenging situations. You can learn more about these resources and others below.
- Information for Parents on How to Help Your Child/Teen Cope with Stressful Events or Uncertainty
- Information for Helping Children, Teens and Their Families Cope with War and/or Terrorism
- Information for Parents about Anxiety in Children and Teens
- Information for School-age Children and Teens about Stress and Anxiety
Sincerely,
Regena Spratling, PhD, RN, APRN, CPNP-PC, FAANP, FAAN
NAPNAP President
