London

My heartfelt condolences go out to the people of London for the bombings they experienced this morning. Although I have not discussed this issue on my blog very much, I do believe that terrorism--not to mention the political and military efforts/strategies undertaken to eradicate it--is just as much a public health issue as it is a social, political, and economic one. Many people are dying, and many more are physically, psychologically, and emotionally injured as a result of terrorism and its counter-efforts.

Fortunately, there are advocacy organizations that do view terrorism, war, and geopolitics as public health issues. One organization that I particularly respect and admire is Physicians for Social Responsibility, a DC-based organization that has local chapters across the country. Physicians, public health advocates, and other health care professionals make up the bulk of the organization's membership and board. Many are also staff members at PSR's assorted offices. Of course, I may be biased towards this organization, as I coordinated the Safe Drinking Program at PSR's DC headquarters a couple of years back.

Another health organization that takes on issues of terrorism and war is the American Public Health Association, which is also based in DC. Members of this organization consist of public health educators, advocates, and researchers who work in non-profit, government, private, and academic sectors.