March Recognized as Social Work Month
The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) leads the 2024 Social Work Month celebration in March with the theme “Empowering Social Workers.” This theme focuses on ways Americans can support the social work profession as it addresses issues our nation is facing, including the need for more mental health services providers. Holzer Health System joins in helping celebrate this year’s Social Work Month in March and recognizing our health system social work staff. 
People become social workers because they have a strong desire to help others. Social workers have a hearty sense of social justice and follow a Code of Ethics that calls on them to enhance human well-being and help meet the basic human needs of all people. They are particularly attuned to the needs and empowerment of people who are vulnerable, oppressed, and living in poverty. Social work is one of the fastest growing professions in the United States, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). It predicts nearly 800,000 people will work as social workers in the United States by 2032, an increase of seven percent over the decade.
This growth in social work is certainly needed. Several states and metropolitan areas have said they are experiencing a shortage of mental health services providers, including social workers, and social services staff to help people and families in economic distress find affordable housing and other services. In addition, social workers are on the frontlines in helping our nation deal with an opioid addiction crisis and gun violence epidemic.
The annual Social Work Month campaign in March is a time to inform the public, policymakers, legislators, and employers about how social workers help millions of people every day, helping them to overcome life’s hurdles and live to their full potential. You will find social workers everywhere in our society, including hospitals and mental health centers, federal, state, and local government, schools, community centers, corporations, and social service agencies.
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.
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.
