Humanitarian Mission at Home: Walter Reed National Military Medical Center’s Experience in Operation Allies Refuge and Operation Allies Welcome

ABSTRACT Military medicine has a long history of humanitarian efforts globally, including responses to natural disasters and as planned medical civil action projects. However, ending two decades of war in Afghanistan, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (WRNMMC) was tasked to receive up to...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Military medicine 2023-01, Vol.188 (1-2), p.25-29
Main Authors: Robinson, Sara L, Campbell, Wesley R, Patel, Leela R, Blickle, John G, Goetzman, Henry J, Hemphill, Ashleigh, Mehlhaff, Krista M, Farren, Kristen C, Valdez, Alicia D, Khan, Joetta, Sessom, Eric A, Blaylock, Jason M, Lee, Rachel U
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Afghanistan
Hospitals, Military
Humans
Military Medicine
Military Personnel
United States
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Summary:ABSTRACT Military medicine has a long history of humanitarian efforts globally, including responses to natural disasters and as planned medical civil action projects. However, ending two decades of war in Afghanistan, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (WRNMMC) was tasked to receive up to 63 injured patients with less than 96-hour notice on August 27, 2021. As part of Operation Allies Refuge and transition to Operation Allies Welcome, this article highlights the complicated cross-organizational and multidisciplinary response at WRNMMC where ultimately 277 Afghan patients and nonmedical attendants received medical care and other requirements for resettlement. Lessons learned from coordinating the complex short suspense medical, cultural, and logistic efforts are noted as considerations and practical recommendations for future missions.
ISSN:0026-4075
1930-613X
DOI:10.1093/milmed/usac281