NASW Iowa Chapter is the Recipient of the 2008-2009 Ruth Fizdale Program Grant

NASW Iowa Chapter is the Recipient of the 2008-2009 Ruth Fizdale Program Grant

Presented by the National Association of Social Workers Foundation

Des Moines – The National Association of Social Workers Foundation is pleased to announce the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Iowa Chapter as the recipient of the 2008-2009 Ruth Fizdale Program Grant. The Ruth Fizdale Program Grant underwrites research projects that link practice and policy issues with relevant social issues, with the goal of facilitating effective service delivery. The program provides opportunities for NASW chapters to conduct pilot research projects targeted to specific emerging issues.

Iowa social workers are facing a set of unique challenges with the growing need for social work services and the potentially decreased social work workforce available to serve the citizens of Iowa. Approximately 28% of licensed social workers in Iowa are age 55 or older. Iowa, like many other states, is facing a shortage of mental health professionals, which is particularly exacerbated in certain rural areas. Additionally, as the state’s population ages, there is a growing need for skilled geriatric social workers. With the recent flood devastation in Iowa, residents will have increased need for social work services that will help them put their lives back together.

Because of the convergence of all of these issues, NASW Iowa will research and analyze the challenges faced by the social work profession and the citizens of Iowa. This research will provide insight into how the social work profession can build up a robust workforce in Iowa to address the needs of the citizens. Through a greater understanding of the profession, social workers will be able to address the need for positive outcomes for Iowans.

According to Kelli Soyer, MSW, executive director of the NASW Iowa Chapter: “By researching the social work profession and providing answers to how we can bring more social workers to the profession, we will be better able to meet the needs of everyone in Iowa who needs the services of a social worker.”

For more information, please contact Kelli Soyer at 515-277-1117 or nasw@iowanasw.org.