TITLE
Title
DHHS-DSS UPDATE AND PROCLAMATION CELEBRATING MARCH 2024 AS SOCIAL WORKER APPRECIATION MONTH
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SPONSOR
Sponsor
Vice Chair J. Carlvena Foster (Sharon Barlow)
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PROCLAMATION
Proclamation
WHEREAS, Social Work is a profession truly dedicated to helping people, and its primary mission is to enhance human well-being and assist in meeting their basic and complex needs; and
WHEREAS, Social Workers are focused on helping those who are vulnerable, oppressed or living in poverty and follow a Code of Ethics requiring them to fight social injustice, and respect the dignity and worth of all people; and
WHEREAS, for over a century, the Social Work profession has partnered with schools, hospitals, community organizations, the military, mental health centers, social service agencies, corporations, and local, state and federal government to improve this society by working to secure legislation that ensures a minimum wage, Social Security, Medicare and equal rights for all people; and
WHEREAS, Social Workers remain on the frontlines with our local, state and federal partners in the fight to solve pressing social problems such as: increased demands for quality mental health services; the opioid addiction crisis; and economic inequality; and
WHEREAS, Social Workers are in high demand, with certain states reporting shortages in staffing, the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicting Social Work will be one of the fastest growing professions in our nation during this decade, and public opinion surveys indicating the profession has an 80% approval rating and those in the profession deserve greater benefits; and
WHEREAS, the theme of 2024 National Social Work Month is "Empowering Social Workers" to reiterate this county's support for the profession so they can continue help address societal needs that empower people, communities and the nation, helping everyone achieve their full potential.
NOW, THEREFORE, the Guilford County Board of Commissioners proclaims the month of March 2024 as National Social Work Month, in recognition of the numerous contributions made by America’s Social Workers and calls upon all citizens to join the National Association of Social Workers and Guilford County DHHS-DSS in celebration and support of the Social Work Profession.
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REQUESTED ACTION
Requested Action
Receive an update from DHHS-DSS regarding Social Worker Appreciation Month and proclaim March 2024 as National Social Work Month in Guilford County.
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