In a press conference today, the White House announced that beginning in 2012, the  FDA will require larger, more prominent cigarette health warnings on all cigarette packaging and advertisements in the United States.  This marks the first change in cigarette warnings in more than 25 years and is a significant advancement in communicating the dangers of smoking.  Social workers – particularly those working in health... 

The 2010 Affordable Care Act created a new category of health care provider – the accountable care organization (ACO).  ACOs represent a paradigm shift from traditional fee-for-service health care.  These organizations will receive financial incentives to improve the coordination and quality of care for Medicare beneficiaries, while reducing costs.  The emergence of ACOs reflects the health care industry’s shift... 

May is National Foster Care Month, a time to raise awareness on the plight of children and youth in the foster care system. There are approximately 424,000 in foster care because their own families are in crisis and are unable to provide for their essential well-being. Nearly 30,000 young people age out of the foster care system each year. Social workers play critical roles in the lives of all of these vulnerable children... 

This month, NASW Executive Director, Betsy Clark, focused her NASW News column on “The Challenge of Sadness in Social Work.” Dr. Clark discusses the turmoil, tragedy, and unrest in the world including wars, earthquakes, and tsunamis. She notes that every significant world event is accompanied by indelible images, some of which are horrific and forever etched in our memories such as the collapse of the World Trade... 

NASW Exec. Dir. Betsy Clark discusses the important role of social workers in our nation on the Anita Estell Show. Visit www.anitaestellblog.com to Listen: “This week on the Anita Estell Show:  With returning veterans, aging baby boomers, child welfare, demands placed on families, hospitals and schools, there is a growing need for social workers. Please join me  for a conversation with Dr. Elizabeth... 

NASW Data Show Behavioral Health Social Workers Earn $50,000 According to the 2011 Behavioral Health Salary Survey just released by the National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare (National Council), a licensed social worker with a master’s degree earns less than a manager of a fast food restaurant.   Naturally, this finding is alarming to social workers, and should be equally alarming to those who need behavioral... 

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Women’s Health has designated May 8 – 14 as the 12th annual celebration of National Women’s Health Week (NWHW).  During this week, communities, businesses, government, health organizations, and other groups come together to promote women’s health.  The theme for 2011 is “It’s Your Time.”  It emphasizes the National Women’s... 

Today, April 20, 2011, is the one year anniversary of the death of social work pioneer Dr. Dorothy I. Height. This time last year, NASW was preparing to give Dr. Height the Lifetime Achievement Award and we were saddened to learn of her death, but pleased and humbled to have spent time with her in support of the social work profession and the clients we serve. Dr. Height began her career as a caseworker in the New York... 

There are only a few spaces left for social workers with relevant experience to travel to Brazil with NASW Executive Director Betsy Clark October 15-24, 2011 as a member of the People to People Social Work Delegation. Consider an investment in your career that will last a lifetime. You could benefit from over 50 years of People to People exchanges as you: Build lasting partnerships with your peers overseas through... 

Social Work Reinvestment Act Reintroduced! Support Your Profession Today. While the nation struggles with an economic recession, social workers are the professionals who will primarily keep society’s social safety net intact. We provide the services that will help people maintain employment, shelter, food, and other life-sustaining services during this difficult time. We also care for the aging baby boomers,...