Social Work Month in March highlights the ways Social Workers Empower Others with the theme “Social Workers are Essential!”
Holzer Health System is celebrating this year’s Social Work Month in March with the theme “Social Workers are Essential” to highlight the invaluable contributions social workers make in our society, especially as this nation addresses the Coronavirus pandemic.
Social work is one of the fastest growing professions int the United States, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). There are currently about 700,000 professional social workers in our nation, but that number is expected to rise to more than 800,000 by 2029, BLS said. Social work has been around for more than a century and has made significant contributions to our nation. For example, social workers such as social reformer Jane Addams, former Labor Secretary Frances Perkins, and civil rights leaders Dorothy Height, Whitney Young and Ida B. Wells have helped Americans secure voting rights, equal rights, Social Security, unemployment insurance, and other programs. You will also find social workers throughout society – protecting children from abuse and neglect, providing mental health and substance use disorder treatment, assisting active duty military, veterans and their families, in schools, helping corporations better serve their communities, and in community organizations as well as in local, state and government.
In the healthcare setting, 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 patients 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 can 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.
“During Social Work Month, we encourage the community to learn about the profession and support the work of our compassionate and dedicated social worker team,” shared Brenda Seagraves, BSN, RN, ACM, Director, Care Management, Holzer Health System. “Social workers play an essential role in helping people from all walks of life and backgrounds live life to the fullest. During this special month, we hope you will learn more about this amazing profession and say a kind word to the social workers in your lives.”
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 and ask for the Social Services Department.
