ABA News & Vision from the CEO’s Desk | February 2026

Dear ABA members,  

As we move further into 2026, I want to take a moment to reflect on the momentum building across our burn care community and the partnerships that make this work possible.

Firefighters: Long-term Partners in Prevention, Recovery, and Research

Across the burn care community, partnership with first responders is foundational to everything that follows in a patient’s recovery. Last fall, during the Canadian Burn Association’s conference in Calgary, I had the opportunity to meet Thomas Kerr, President of the Calgary Firefighters Burn Treatment Society. Recently, we reconnected, and our conversation was a powerful reminder of the deep and lasting partnership between firefighters and the burn community. Tom and his team do not just respond to emergencies; they maintain close relationships with the Calgary burn unit and burn survivors long after the initial call. They support survivor events, lead prevention and community education efforts, and remain engaged throughout the recovery journey.

What also stood out was Tom’s involvement in burn research. Through collaboration with clinicians and the burn team, Calgary firefighters support research initiatives that advance prevention, response, and patient outcomes. It was inspiring to hear how they see their role not only as first responders, but as long-term partners in recovery, prevention, and research. To Tom and his team and to firefighters and first responders everywhere, thank you. Your work strengthens the burn care system and the communities we serve in ways that extend far beyond the emergency scene. 

🎥  [VIDEO] Watch my conversation with Tom to hear firsthand how firefighter partnerships are shaping prevention, research, and recovery. 

Disaster Summit: Prepared and Aligned Before Crisis Strikes

That same spirit of partnership was evident earlier this month when ABA convened leaders from across federal, military, trauma, and burn communities for our Disaster Summit in Washington, DC. What stood out most was not only the room's expertise but also the shared commitment to preparedness and coordination before a crisis. When burn teams, first responders, and national partners are aligned and ready, patients and communities are better served. The work emerging from this summit will help position ABA as a leader in burn disaster readiness, and we are grateful to everyone who contributed. 

✅ Read the Summit full recap to learn how the burn community is advancing a unified, forward-looking approach to disaster readiness.

Coming Together at ABA 2026 Annual Meeting

Looking ahead, ABA 2026 will once again bring our community together. The Annual Meeting is always a powerful reminder of the strength found in collaboration - surgeons, nurses, therapists, firefighters, first responders, researchers, administrators, and partners working together toward a shared mission. If you are planning to attend, a reminder that advance registration rates end tomorrow, February 18. The opportunity to connect, learn, and move the field forward together is not to be missed. 

Prevention in Action: National Burn Awareness Week

This month also marked National Burn Awareness Week (NBAW), and I want to recognize the extraordinary work that took place across the country. Burn teams and fire departments partnered with schools, community organizations, and local leaders to share prevention messaging, host safety demonstrations, and educate families about reducing burn risk. Many of you have engaged survivors and advocates to share their stories, powerful reminders of why prevention matters.

✅ Check out the highlights from the week.

Advocacy Starts at Home

In addition to community outreach, NBAW has also been an opportunity to strengthen our advocacy voice. ABA provided a suggested letter and toolkit encouraging members to connect with local, state, and federal representatives. I encourage you to reach out to elected officials or invite them to visit your centers. These conversations help ensure that those shaping policy understand the vital role burn teams and first responders play in prevention, specialized care, and readiness. Advocacy often begins locally, and your engagement helps amplify the voice of burn care nationally. 

Leadership That Reflects Our Community’s Strength

I also want to offer an early note of appreciation to the many members who stepped forward through this year’s Board nomination process. The strength of our leadership pipeline reflects the strength of this community. Last week, we shared the 2026-2027 board slate , and I hope you will join me in thanking everyone who is willing to serve. Leadership in ABA is about advancing burn care together, and we are grateful for those who step forward.

As we look ahead, I am reminded that the impact of this organization comes from the collective work of its members and partners. You teach. You mentor. You collect data. You conduct research. You advocate. You respond to disasters. You support patients and families through recovery. And alongside you are firefighters and first responders who share in this mission of prevention, readiness, research, and care. 

None of this work happens in isolation. It happens because we stay connected as a community. Thank you for all that you do, for your patients, your teams, and for this field. I am excited to engage with all of you attending ABA 2026! See you all soon. 

Ed Dellert, RN, MBA, CAE, FACEHP
Chief Executive Officer
American Burn Association