By Rena Malai, News staff NASW has updated two of its websites that allow members to blog and exchange information. SocialWorkPulse.org gives social workers an opportunity to share their perspectives and experiences of being in the social work field. Submissions are currently being accepted for the blog, which allows social workers to write about anything social work, including trends, news and day-to-day experiences. According... 

The Joint Commission recently published a consumer education brochure on memory problems and dementia. The brochure, developed in collaboration with NASW, is part of the Joint Commission’s Speak Up™ initiative, which encourages consumers to play an active role in their health care. Visit www.jointcommission.org/speakup_memory_problems to download or print the brochure in both English and Spanish. NASW resources: Help... 

By Paul R. Pace, News staff A collaboration of social work leaders, educators and representatives of other health professions recently met to discuss the emergence of social work advanced practice doctorate programs. NASW President Jeane Anastas speaks during the NASW Social Work Policy Institute’s think tank symposium on advanced practice doctorates. The NASW Social Work Policy Institute convened an invitational think... 

NASW continues its support for National Family Caregivers Month this November. This year’s theme, Family Caregivers—Now More Than Ever!, highlights family caregivers’ growing role in supporting people of all ages who live with chronic conditions or disabilities. NASW resources: NASW Standards for Social Work Practice with Family Caregivers of Older Adults Family caregiving information and resources on NASW’s... 

Join NASW in celebrating National Hospice and Palliative Care Month this November by highlighting that hospice and palliative care programs provide care on your terms. Download outreach materials from Caring Connections, the consumer Web site of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO), and incorporate current NHPCO data on hospice use, delivery, and quality in your messaging. NASW resources: Recent... 

By Paul R. Pace, News staff Social worker Jack Sarmanian says the personal rewards of being a disaster mental health worker far outweigh the challenges. Sarmanian The Maine resident was among a group of disaster mental health workers with the American Red Cross deployed to Moore, Okla., in May. A devastating EF-5 tornado ravaged the surrounding community, resulting in 25 deaths and more than 100 injuries. Survivors of... 

Now Accepting Presentation Proposals for the 2014 NASW National Conference NASW invites submissions of proposals to present at the 2014 NASW National Conference—Social Work: Courage, Hope, and Leadership, which will be held July 23-26, 2014 in Washington, DC. Social workers are leaders of change and strengthen the safety net of society. To be considered, session proposals must be received online by 11:59pm EST on January... 

By Paul R. Pace, News staff NASW was once again a co-sponsor of the Circle of Life awards, which honor and celebrate innovation in palliative and end-of-life care. Other sponsors of the July award ceremony in San Diego were the American Hospital Association, National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization, National Hospice Foundation and the Catholic Health Association. The award winners for 2013 were: • Denver Hospice.... 

By Rena Malai, News staff NASW’s new president-elect Darrell Wheeler has been part of the organization for more than 27 years, and has served in many aspects, he said. Wheeler He was on the NASW-Pennsylvania board of directors, the NASW-New York board of directors, and was Region II representative and vice president to the NASW national board. Wherever Wheeler has lived, he has always been a member of NASW and active... 

NASW applauds the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions for their vote today to move forward the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA), S. 815. ENDA is currently positioned to receive a vote by the Senate, which would be the first time the chamber has voted on the legislation in 17 years. During the serious economic down-turn in the United States, the unemployment rate has been decreasing across...