Children’s Hospital Doc to Advise on Children and Disasters

The director of the Trauma Program and Pediatric Disaster Resource and Training Center at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles was selected to serve on the newly established National Advisory Committee on Children and Disasters, it was announced today.

The NACCD was established “to provide expert advice and consultation to the secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services on comprehensive planning and policies to meet the unique health needs of children before, during and after a disaster or other public health emergency,” according to CHLA.

Over a four-year term, CHLA’s Dr. Jeffrey S. Upperman and 14 other experts from the scientific, public health and medical fields will help evaluate and provide input on the needs of preparation for children in emergencies.

Upperman will also provide advice and consultation on state emergency preparedness and response activities for children, including related drills and exercises.

“This is the best effort yet on the federal level to focus on children and disasters,” Upperman said. “I look forward to contributing the knowledge and experience I’ve gained in my career, especially in my role at CHLA, to better prepare children and families across the country for disaster emergencies.” The HHS secretary approved Upperman’s membership on the committee, for which 82 experts were nominated.

Since 2007, Upperman has implemented strategic initiatives at CHLA on improving care for children who have experienced trauma. He oversaw development of the hospital’s Pediatric Disaster Resource and Training Center, and previously led a $5 million HHS grant related to children and disasters.

Upperman, who is on the faculty of the Keck School of Medicine at USC, is a retired lieutenant colonel in the United States Army Reserve Medical Corps.

— City News Service