Advocacy

On September 15, members of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), Congressional Black Caucus, and Congressional Hispanic Caucus  introduced the Health Equity and Accountability Act of 2011, a bill that complements the efforts of the Affordable Care Act and focuses on eliminating racial and ethnic health disparities. The bill was introduced by social worker, Congresswoman Barbara Lee, Chair of ... Read More »

The first ever bipartisan congressional HIV/AIDS caucus officially launched on September 15, 30 years after the human immunodeficiency virus was first identified. The caucus is led by House members Jim McDermott (D-WA), Barbara Lee (D-CA) and Trent Franks (R-AZ). Read More »

NASW Sends Letter to the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction NASW recently sent a letter to the recently appointed 12 members of the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction who will make recommendations on ways to increase revenues while reducing the deficit.  The Super Committee will determine which programs, both military and domestic, that will be included in a ... Read More »

When President Obama spoke recently about the American Jobs Act, he specifically outlined a program designed to increase hiring of veterans.  Although this proposal might not strike the reader as being specific to women, it’s important to remember how many women have returned from Iraq and Afghanistan with some form of traumatic stress.  Also, in terms of health, some women ... Read More »

AFFORDABLE CARE ACT 101 – Sponsored by the Department of Health and Human Services, Center for Faith Based and Neighborhood Partnerships. Choose the following dates for an Interactive Conference Call Discussing the Benefits and Provisions of the Affordable Care Act:  • Tuesday, August 23, at 8 pm ET • Wednesday, August 31, at 12:30 pm ET • Wednesday, September 14, ... Read More »

Congressional leadership has made their selections for the Super Committee created by the Budget Control Act (the debt limit legislation). The co-chairs of the Committee will be Senator Patty Murray and Representative Jeb Hensarling. The Senators on the Committee will be Max Baucus, John Kerry, Jon Kyl, Pat Toomey and Rob Portman and the Representatives will be Dave Camp, Fred ... Read More »

Exercise Your Ethical Responsibilities as a Social Worker: Advocate! The recent anniversary of our country’s independence reminds us that as Americans we have certain duties that we owe to our country.  Most particularly, citizens have a responsibility to be involved in the political process through voting and can participate in various other forms of activism, such as campaigning, contacting Members ... Read More »

 Affordable Care Act Improves Women’s Access to Needed Care, Services Please join Tina Tchen, Executive Director of the White House Council on Women and Girls and Mayra Alvarez, Director of Public Health Policy in the Office of Health Reform at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services on a conference call to discuss the impact of the recently released ... Read More »

Last week, The National Review posted an article entitled “Would You Let a Social Worker Handle Your Investment Portfolio?” attacking Senator Debbie Stabenow (MI), and specifically the Battery Innovation Act that Senator Stabenow recently introduced.  The Battery Innovation Act encourages businesses, local government and universities to collaborate on advanced science and engineering efforts related to battery production.  It is specifically ... Read More »

The Department of Health and Human Services Children’s Bureau has announced several grant funding opportunities. Applications are due at the end of this month. 1.  Child Welfare-Early Education Partnerships to Expand Protective Factors for Children with Child Welfare Involvement:  The Children’s Bureau expects to award up to 8 grants at $250,000 per budget period for projects lasting 17 months supporting ... Read More »