A WORLD CENTER ADVANCING MEDICINE IN HUMANITARIAN AND DISASTER RELIEF

Robert G. Darling, USN MC, Director

The mission of the Center for Disaster and Humanitarian Assistance Medicine (CDHAM) is exactly what its name implies - to be the focal point for medical aspects of disaster relief and humanitarian assistance. Other centers operate within the realm of humanitarian relief. However, they are focused on the broader issue of disaster management. By specializing in medicine and health-related topics worldwide, CDHAM complements the work of these centers, as well as many other organizations that are improving the provision of relief and international health care.

The origin of CDHAM pre-dates the current emphasis on military medical support or operations other than war by more than a decade. The CDHAM is organized within the Department of Military and Emergency Medicine (MEM) at the Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences (USUHS). The Department Chair, along with the Dean, the President, and key faculty at the University recognized early on the evolving role of military forces in shaping an uncertain world. CDHAM was formally established at USUHS by the Defense Appropriations Act of 1999 as the Department of Defense's focal point for medicine in the non-traditional military operations and missions that have become more common in the new millennium.

The role of CDHAM extends beyond simply conducting studies. Our goal is to analyze, develop conclusions, determine lessons learned, and translate these into learning opportunities and improvement. Publications, lectures, symposia, and other media developed as a result of this work become tools for educating graduate and medical students at USUHS, as well as advancing the broad spectrum of military medicine. CDHAM uses training, technology, and best management practices to improve military medicine capabilities and readiness for humanitarian missions, especially in partnership with the inter-Agency process, the international medical community, and the host nation medical infrastructure and beneficiary populations.

Mission
The Center for Disaster and Humanitarian Assistance Medicine is a university-based venture whose mission is to advance the understanding and delivery of disaster medical care and humanitarian assistance worldwide. The uniquely positioned academic center is actively developing relationships between governmental agencies, non-governmental agencies, and private volunteer organizations as a means of improving relief efforts.

Research
Assistance with planning, development, and execution of multi-specialty research in the areas of disaster preparedness, assessment, surveillance, medical care, and recovery is available.
Training Training of disaster responders of all professional specialties is available. Curricula in the areas of disaster administration, field medical care, operational logistics, assessment, and surveillance can be developed for specific organizations and specialties.

Consultation
Telephone and on-site consultation are available for organizations requiring timely expertise in all phases of disaster mitigation. Aid with response planning, vulnerability assessment, needs assessment, medical care, and epidemiological surveillance is available.

Policy Development
The Center will assist in the development of institutional policy with regards to disaster response, medical care, and humanitarian aid.