AACOM Honors Ukraine’s Strength of Spirit, Denounces Violence and Urges Swift, Diplomatic Solution

(Bethesda, MD) – As a community dedicated to helping and healing others, the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM) stands with the people of Ukraine as they face the tragedy of war with an inspiring and heartbreaking amount of courage.

The shock of violence perpetuated against innocent, peaceful individuals, who have been forced to flee and fight while experiencing the immense terror of having their nation invaded and their homes and cities attacked, has been harrowing to witness. AACOM honors the courage and character of the Ukrainian people, their bravery in the face of such suffering and the spiritual strength they are demonstrating by protecting their land and populace.

“As osteopathic medical educators, physicians and students, we understand the importance of physical, mental and spiritual well-being,” says AACOM President and CEO Robert A. Cain, DO. “We also understand that spiritual well-being can, of the three, be the most elusive. Ukraine has given the world a clear, powerful example of spiritual strength, and the integral role it plays in our lives and health. We stand with the Ukrainian people, we urge a swift end to violence and we support a diplomatic solution to circumvent the unpredictable consequences that could spring from this moment of danger, tension and unrest.”

AACOM encourages our community to help alleviate the war’s humanitarian crisis by supporting the following organizations working to extend relief:

Medecins Sans Frontieres/Doctors Without Borders
MSF is supporting a range of activities in Ukraine, including programs for tuberculosis and HIV care, while continuing to support the national COVID-19 response.

International Committee of the Red Cross
Working closely with the Ukrainian Red Cross Society, the ICRC is increasing their response to the humanitarian needs in Ukraine by supporting individuals, hospitals and primary healthcare facilities.

Save the Children
Save the Children provides Ukrainian children and families with immediate aid, such as food, water, hygiene kits, psychosocial support and cash assistance.

UNICEF
UNICEF supports health, nutrition, HIV prevention, education, safe drinking water, sanitation and protection for children and families caught in the conflict in eastern Ukraine.

UN Refugee Agency
The UN Refugee Agency is on the ground providing assistance and increasing its capacity to ensure Ukrainian families and children find safety in this moment of crisis.

World Central Kitchen
WCK is preparing and serving hot, nourishing meals to families fleeing Ukraine and residents remaining in the country.

About AACOM

The American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM) leads and advocates for the full continuum of osteopathic medical education to improve the health of the public. Founded in 1898 to support and assist the nation's osteopathic medical schools, AACOM represents all 38 accredited colleges of osteopathic medicine—educating nearly 34,000 future physicians, 25 percent of all U.S. medical students—at 59 teaching locations in 34 U.S. states, as well as osteopathic graduate medical education professionals and trainees at U.S. medical centers, hospitals, clinics and health systems.

Contacts

Joseph Shapiro
AACOM Director of Media Relations
(240) 938-0746
jshapiro@aacom.org

Christine DeCarlo
AACOM Media and Public Affairs Manager
(202) 603-1026
cdecarlo@aacom.org