Social Work Month Recognized in March

Holzer Social Workers

Holzer Health System is celebrating this year’s Social Work Month in March with the theme “The Time is Right for Social Work” to highlight how social workers have enriched our society for more than a century and how their services continue be needed today.

The annual Social Work Month campaign is a time to inform public, policymakers, and legislators about the services social workers provide in an array of sectors, including hospitals, mental health centers, schools, social service agencies, community centers and in politics. People become social workers because they have a strong desire to help others and make our society a better place to live for all.

Social work is one of the fastest growing professions in the United States, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). There are almost 720,000 professional social workers in our nation, but that number is expected to rise to more than 800,000 by 2030, BLS said. Social workers have helped drive significant, positive changes in our nation. 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 pushed for voting rights, equal rights, Social Security, unemployment insurance, and other programs.

HMC-J Social Worker

Social workers touch millions of lives each day and it is likely a social worker at some time will assist you, a family member, or a friend. 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.

Shelly Ranegar, LSW, Bereavement Coordinator and Emily Parsons, LSW

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.”

Hannah Westfall, LSW

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.

Ashley Mazza, LPCC, LICDC

For any questions or more information, call 1-855-4-HOLZER and ask for the Social Services Department.