Statement in Response to the Invasion of Ukraine
From the APOS Board of Directors
March 9, 2022
As we prepare for our APOS Annual Conference, we are called to acknowledge the invasion of Ukraine and devastation of war. APOS is committed to the human right to cancer treatment and mental healthcare, and we stand with our colleagues across the globe impacted by this war. Learning about specific action steps that we can take to ameliorate suffering is part of our role as providers in our global community. With our unique lens as oncology healthcare professionals, we may be attuned to ways to share our knowledge, expertise, compassion, and time with our local and international communities in need. There are several action steps we can take, particularly related to children and adults affected by cancer in the arena of war. Some of these are outlined here, and we welcome ongoing discussions on inclusion and equity during our conference. Eloquently articulated in the letter below from psychologists in Russia: “Non-material ties between people - cultural, scientific, friendly, spiritual - cannot be taken away.” APOS remains dedicated to promoting a more just and equitable society by doing our part to overcome racism and racial disparities as well as increase access to essential psycho-oncology care. As we move forward as individuals and an organization, we hope you will join us in empowering one another in this call to action.
Joseph Greer, PhD - President
Elizabeth Archer-Nanda, DNP, APRN - President Elect
Kristine Donovan, PhD, MBA - Past President
Jeffrey Kendall, PsyD - Treasurer
Lynne Padgett, PhD - Secretary
Marie Barnett, PhD - Director of Communications
Sharla Wells-Di Gregorio, PhD - Director of Professional Education
Justin Yopp, PhD - Director of Membership
Jennifer Knight, MD, MS, FACLP - Director of Research
Tamryn Gray, PhD, RN, MPH - Director of Mentoring
Beth Dixon, PsyD - Director of Development & Strategic Partnerships
Charles Kamen, PhD, MPH - Invited Director: 2022 Annual Conference Chair
Kelly Irwin, MD - Invited Interim Director: Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion
Lori Wiener PhD, DCSW, FAPOS - Invited Director: Federal Liaison
Rachel Cannady - Invited Director: American Cancer Society Liaison