March Recognized as Social Work Month
Shown pictured are a few of the Holzer Social Work staff, left to right: Cassandra Hagar, LSW, MSW, Ashley Fitch, LSW, Erin Polcyn, LSW, Megan Ihle, LSW, Janette Workman, LSW, and Shelly Ranegar, LSW.
Holzer would like to commend our Social Services staff in all service lines on the dedication and commitment they provide each day for our patients and communities. Services social workers provide include: caregiver support, crisis intervention, guidance with financial and insurance problems, transition to home or alternate living setting, help with living will or durable medical power of attorney and DNR code status, resources related to diagnosis and advocacy, communication with physicians, family, and friends, prescription assistance information, referrals for home care, nursing facilities, rehabilitation centers, assisted living, or hospice, domestic violence and sexual assault assistance, and mental health and behavior problem management.
Holzer Health System is helping celebrate Social Work Month in March with activities centered on this year’s theme “Social Workers: Leaders. Advocates. Champions.” The campaign informs the public and legislators about the crucial role social workers have played in improving the well-being of people and helping our nation become a better place to live.
Social work is a growing profession with more than 680,000 professionals in the United States, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Social workers are skilled professionals who use their talents to help others create better lives for themselves and their families. Some social workers help clients who face a disability or a life-threatening disease or a social problem. Some assist families that have domestic conflicts involving children or spousal abuse. Other social workers conduct research, advocate for improved services or are involved in policy development.
Illnesses can bring many problems. Often, individuals need community resources, but may not know where to turn. Holzer Social Services is skilled in working through these types of situations and helping our patient when they need it most. Common patient needs include: patient discharge planning, home health and/or hospice arrangements, placement in a nursing facility (for short-term or extended stays), and home medical equipment needs. In addition, Holzer Social Workers are able to assist with Advance Directives, Living Wills, Healthcare Power of Attorney, and similar paperwork.
At Holzer, social workers are committed to patients from the point of admission, and throughout their inpatient stay, home health, hospice, etc., assisting the patient and family in obtaining the necessary care. Our social work staff seek to address physical and psychosocial issues that may impact the successful treatment and recovery of the patient, and help them overcome the barriers to complete healthcare needs.
The NASW in Washington, D.C., is the largest membership organization of professional social workers. It promotes, develops, and protects the practice of social work and social workers. NASW also seeks to enhance the well-being of individuals, families, and communities through its advocacy. Social workers are trained to look at situations in a holistic way, helping bring together people and communities to find ways to address pressing individual, group and societal issues such as hunger, affordable housing, equal rights for all and making organizations and government accountable. Social workers also follow the NASW Code of Ethics, which calls on members of the profession to enhance well-being and meet the basic needs of all people, with particular attention on the needs and empowerment of those who are vulnerable, oppressed or living in poverty.
For any questions or more information, call 1-855-4-HOLZER.
