Douglas Brooks. Photo courtesy of TheBody.com. The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) congratulates Douglas Brooks, MSW, LCSW, on his appointment as director of the White House Office of National AIDS Policy (ONAP).  Brooks brings the necessary leadership skills to oversee implementation of the National HIV/AIDS Strategy (NHAS) and HIV Care Continuum initiative in a way that will engage the many communities... 

NASW CEO Dr. Angelo McClain, and several staff members, recently attended a White House briefing, hosted by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) entitled “Addressing the Social Determinants of Health in a New Era: The Role of Social Work Education.” This event included four panels of U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) staff and was held prior to the start of enrollment in Affordable Health Care... 

On July 8, NASW met David Mineta, Deputy Director for Demand Reduction at the White House Office on National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP).  Mr. Mineta was appointed by President Obama to oversee the Office of Demand Reduction (ODR) and is now working to implement evidenced-based drug policy reform initiatives aimed at the fostering development of a national community-based prevention system, and encouraging adoption of... 

By Paul R. Pace, News staff NASW CEO Angelo McClain attended the National Conference on Mental Health at the White House on June 3. He was among 150 leaders and health care experts from across the country who discussed ways of working together to reduce stigma and aid those struggling with mental health problems. Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, left, and President Barack Obama listen to Janelle... 

On June 1, 2013, President Obama issued a Proclamation for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) Pride Month.  The proclamation outlined the important legislative changes that advance LGBT equity.  NASW members have provided a strong voice in supporting the Administration’s decisions to extend hate crimes protections to include attacks based on sexual orientation or gender identity, the repeal of  “Don’t... 

NASW CEO Dr Angelo McClain, LICSW The White House Conference on Mental Health brings together people from across the country, including mental health advocates, educators, health care providers, faith leaders, members of Congress, representatives from local governments and individuals who have struggled with mental health problems, to discuss how we can all work together to reduce stigma and help the millions of Americans... 

NASW applauds President Obama for appointing Julia Pierson as Director of the United States Secret Service (USSS). This is a milestone for women and the USSS as Ms. Person is the first woman in the agency’s nearly 150 year history to hold the top leadership position. In January, NASW expressed concern with the change in direction the President was taking on appointing women, of all ethnicities, to Cabinet positions... 

In the last two weeks NASW has participated in several activities in the wake of the Sandy Hook tragedy.  Last week, NASW CEO Betsy Clark participated in the White House meeting with mental health groups where she met with Vice President Biden’s Task Force.  Since then, NASW has remained engaged in ongoing efforts with the Obama Administration and the mental health community.  This week NASW was included on two conference... 

In 2009, NASW was pleased to see President Obama build a diverse Cabinet and even participated as a co-sponsor in the celebration of Women Appointees of the Obama Administration. Conversely, since returning from the holidays the President has made four high level appointments all of which are white men. With the departures of Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis, and Administrator of the... 

NASW CEO Betsy Clark, and other mental health and disability rights advocates, met at the White House on Wednesday to provide input for Vice President Biden’s Task Force on Gun Control and Violence. The meeting was led by Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Kathleen Sebelius, and included Attorney General Eric Holder, Pam Hyde from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration...