In 1987, the U.S. House of Representatives designated the full third week in April as “National Minority Cancer Awareness Week.  The resolution drew attention to, “an unfortunate, but extremely important fact about cancer.  While cancer affects men and women of every age, race, ethnic background and economic class, the disease has a disproportionately severe impact on minorities and the economically disadvantaged.” ... 

In concert with other social justice partners, NASW, on April 20, 2010 observed Equal Pay Day by calling for passage of the Paycheck Fairness Act (H.R.12/S.182).  Equal Pay Day highlights salary inequity endured by women across America and seeks to eliminate the wage gap between men and women through meaningful federal legislation. The Paycheck Fairness Act would strengthen the 1963 Equal Pay Act and dismantle wage disparity... 

Take Action Today! Action Requested Contact your Representative today about signing on as a cosponsor to H.R. 5040, the “HIT Extension for Behavioral Health Services Act.” Background Rep. Patrick Kennedy (D-RI) has introduced bi-partisan legislation along with Rep. Tim Murphy (R-PA), a clinical psychologist, called the Health Information Technology Extension for Behavioral Health Services Act of 2010 (H.R.... 

Social work pioneer and civil rights leader, Dr. Dorothy I. Height passed away on April 20. Within 24 hours, the U.S. Senate and the House of Representatives passed separate resolutions celebrating Dr. Height’s life of and recognizing her lifelong dedication and leadership in the struggle for civil rights for all people. To view the House resolution, H.RES.1281, go to: http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=111_cong_bills&docid=f:hr1281eh.txt.pdf To... 

April 2010 – First Edition Political Climate After Health Care Reform was signed into law, Congress left on a much needed recess in late March and early April.  Politically speaking, most Members of Congress are trying to improve their polling numbers at a time when many Americans have expressed anti-incumbent sentiments.  As a result, legislators don’t seem to have much appetite for especially controversial... 

As social workers we often serve as volunteers and have volunteers serve with us. Volunteers are essential to the operation of so many non-profit organizations.  President Obama signed a proclamation for National Volunteer Week, April 18-24, 2010. In the proclamation, he states, “During National Volunteer Week, we honor the ordinary people who give of themselves to accomplish extraordinary things, and we encourage... 

The policies of NASW have clearly and consistently stated the profession’s commitment towards ensuring that all local, state, federal, and international policies and/or legislation ban all forms of discrimination, including those based on race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender or gender identity, age, disability, and/or relationship or familial status. Therefore, NASW was pleased when President Obama issued... 

Last evening, April 15, 2010, President Obama signed into law the “Continuing Extension Act of 2010.”  The new law extends through May 31, 2010 the zero percent update to the Medicare “Physician” Fee Schedule (MPFS) which was in effect for claims with dates of service from Jan. 1, 2010, through March 31, 2010. The new law is retroactive to April 1, 2010 and will remain in force until the end of May. Without... 

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)  is hosting another program in their webchat series on health insurance reform. Nancy-Ann DeParle, Director of the White House Office of Health Reform will join Secretary Kathleen Sebelius for a discussion on how the new Affordable Care Act will impact you.  Questions addressed will include information about Medicare Part D and the doughnut hole; obtaining affordable... 

On April 9, the White House Office of National AIDS Policy (ONAP) released its Report of Community Recommendations for the National HIV/AIDS Strategy.  The report highlights community input regarding the National HIV/AIDS Strategy development.  To read the press release and report, go to: http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2010/04/08/onap-releases-report-community-recommendations-national-hivaids-strategy For more...