Last week, the world became a more dangerous place. As Russia made an unprovoked invasion of Ukraine for the sole purpose of acquiring more territory, the world’s population became exposed to the impact of leaders who are not driven by what’s good for their people but are motivated by their own power. The suffering and despair brings to mind our roles as healers and helpers – no matter the geography or political persuasion.
As I listened to the news of the attacks on the Ukrainian people, I was horrified by what the Ukrainian people are going through - hiding in the subways to escape air attacks, fleeing homes and communities to countries where they don’t know anyone or have any history, while taking up arms and standing up to their invaders. The Ukrainians are fighting for their right to be a sovereign nation of free people.
I am old enough to remember several wars during my lifetime. Perhaps because I’m older now and these atrocities tend to weigh heavy on my mind, or maybe because the 24-hour news cycle allows me to see every detail of every incident, the events of the last week have been particularly troubling. I think about the families, the elderly, the children, the sick, and those who have so little. And I think of the men, ages 18 to 60, who are conscripted into war - leaving their wives and children to escape the country alone.
Before this terrible series of events, the chasm between the Ukrainian and American people seemed vast. If you didn’t have someone in your family who was Ukrainian or you didn’t have Ukrainian friends, the country and the people were a world away. Today, as we watch their plight, I feel like they are right around the corner. I feel their pain and want to do what I can to minimize their anguish.
As the world was watching the invasion, life in the United States was going on unabated. People were working and children were in school. I was in the office where I read a guest editorial in the Journal of Nursing Education written by a colleague and friend, Suzanne Miyamoto. Dr. Miyamoto was talking about her career in health policy and how, when she started, her students really didn’t like that subject because they really wanted more time learning in clinical practice. But she has seen a change – students now want to understand how government works; there is a greater interest in policy and the role of the health professional in advocacy. Just last week, I heard how Communication Sciences and Disorders students Laura Nagy, Adrienne Rau, Annika Canta, Emma Wyatt, and Rainy Sun advocated for a change in regulatory health policy with Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker.
Our understanding of health policy and advocacy for the marginalized, underserved, and impoverished has never been more important than it is now. These are people whom we might not ever see in person and may seem a world away from our daily practice, but they are really right around the corner and in need of our advocacy and support. Dr. Miyamoto said the “power of one becomes the power to influence many.” Each of us has that power to wield influence as a policy activist and the potential to make our communities, our country, and the world a better place where the just win out.
Our thoughts are with the Ukrainian people and we honor their resolve to fight for what they believe in. Let’s also remember the anguished, the suffering, and the hopeless here in our own country, right around the corner. Let’s keep in mind that we can make a difference in so many lives by being the Power of One. Let’s also pray that the just win out in Ukraine.