Universal focus: becoming citizens of the world

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The profession of nursing as a discipline and nursing leadership in particular must of necessity seek to positively address those issues that adversely affect health in our own communities and worldwide, to the greatest extent possible.

This editorial is one of many articles in a variety of journals including scientific ones throughout the world focusing on the ravages of poverty. Poverty is one of the greatest enemies of good health. Due to a collaborative effort among publishers to participate in discussion about the imperatives inherent in poverty and its impact on human development, a joint effort has been undertaken to:

What can we do? International work done by many nurses is fairly visible. National and local community involvement are equally rewarding and essential; however, when we can, we should reach out to address the needs of the world. As an example of significant international impact, Carol Etheridge, RN, became a symbol for all who know her. As a faculty member at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tenn., she regularly donated her time, skills, and effort in Bosnia both during and after the war, providing services to alleviate the suffering related to trauma, loss of loved ones, and the impact on health outcomes.

Although as individuals we may not be able to contribute internationally, each of us can contribute in some way to address the issues of poverty and their impact. On a local level, volunteering in churches, centers for abused women, Dress for Success programs sponsored by the YWCA, and substance abuse centers are some of the many opportunities available. Many of the disparities in health result from poverty and related socioeconomic issues.

There are organizations that provide services on an international level and can also be participated in locally, such as Rotary Club. I have been an active member for over 8 years and have been gratified by the many humanitarian causes that Rotary has adopted.

Rotary has been acknowledged for eliminating 99% of polio worldwide through the supply and administration of the Salk vaccine. Multiple other activities involve the coordination of numerous clubs throughout the world to tackle the many issues of poverty. For example, an initiative is underway to provide safe drinking water in developing countries, and our own Stuart (Florida) Rotary Club has supplied three wells to date. The Rotary Club in Nashville supports the organ donor program, encouraging state and local communities to commit to donating organs—an initiative I hope to start here in the near future. On our local community level, volunteers pack and deliver donated foods to poor families. Last year over 43,000 pounds of food were packed and distributed via a local organization using Rotary volunteers. There are many organizations that can use a little of your time, commitment, and expertise.

At the same time, there continues to be an essential need for education and research in this complicated field, and these needs are critical for long-term benefits. On a practical, short-term basis we can make a difference today, working at all levels through some fine organizations. Take time to do so if you can; that is what leadership is about.

We have seen slogans for companies that deliver cogent messages. One I would like to share here is that “poverty is everyone's business;” alleviating its ravages is a task that belongs to each one of us.