Back to ‘Normal’By Laetitia Clayton, Editor
As mask mandates ease and more people are vaccinated against COVID-19, we’re starting to see a return to life as we knew it before the pandemic hit and drastically changed everything.
About half of adults in the U.S. are now fully vaccinated against COVID—but that means half are not. NASW President Mit Joyner writes in this issue that social workers have a duty to inform, and that it’s “critical we obtain the relevant information about the vaccine in order to responsibly inform the community.”
Also in this issue, read our cover story about drug decriminalization laws in the U.S. and how they support social work’s advocacy for treatment over punishment when it comes to substance use. We also examine the topics of elder abuse and elder justice, and how social work roles offer an integrated, multipronged approach to address the mistreatment of elders.
You can read these articles and more in this issue of Social Work Advocates.
Enjoy your summer!
Please visit our digital magazine at https://www.socialworkers.org/News/Social-Work-Advocates. Write to us at swadvocates@socialworkers.org
The June–July issue of Social Work Advocates includes:
Drug Decriminalization: Laws Advance Social Work’s Advocacy for Treatment Over Punishment
State laws that decriminalize drugs cement the roles of social workers in the treatment of substance misuse and in advancing treatment over punishment.
Elder Abuse and Elder Justice
June 15 marks World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, but recognizing and addressing elder abuse comes with the territory for social workers, regardless of what the calendar says.
Social Work Faces Defining Moment to Help Transform America
Many people are now vaccinated and that should thwart the spread of the coronavirus, writes NASW President Mit Joyner.
America Needs Historic Investment in Mental Health
As predicted, COVID-19 has had a profound negative effect on America’s mental health, writes NASW CEO Angelo McClain.
More in the June–July 2021 Digital Issue:
• Association News
• Training Helps Clinicians Working With Clients Who Believe Conspiracy Theories
• Record Number of Participants Visit NASW Website, Social Media Channels During March
• Backstory: Self-Publishing Helps Build Self-Esteem
To read the full digital edition, visit SocialWorkers.org.
