Triage and resource allocation during crisis medical surge conditions (pandemics and mass casualty situations): A position statement of the Christian Medical and Dental Associations special task force

Abstract

The Christian Medical and Dental Associations (CMDA) was founded in 1931 and is made up of the Christian Medical Association (CMA) and the Christian Dental Association (CDA). CMDA has a current membership of over 19,000 physicians, dentists, and other allied health professionals. During and in direct response to the pressing urgencies of the COVID-19 universal pandemic of 2020 the President of CMDA commissioned a special task force to provide current and future Christian reflection and guidance on triage and resource allocation policies during pandemics and other forms of crisis surge medical conditions (e.g., mass casualty situations). This is a condensed version of the CMDA special task force position statement.

Religion in the US during the time of a Pandemic: A Medical Perspective

“…Scientifically proven health benefits of religious involvement can serve all humans in various ways. The practice of communal care for the ill and infirm is common among many religions (Cheshire, 2003 ), including during pandemics (Hoehner et al, 2020 ). The level of engagement in faith may also be associated with the degree of benefit.…”