Pat Howe. Photo courtesy of Michigan Live.

Cheers to Michigan Live for profiling social worker Pat Howe, MSW, executive director of Hope Network’s statewide behavioral health services in Michigan.

Howe was inspired to help people with mental illness from when she was a child. Her grandparents lived near a psychiatric hospital and Howe wondered what she could do to relieve the loneliness and suffering of people kept behind the facility’s barred windows.

Howe’s family was also very active in the Salvation Army, so she was raised to be concerned about the welfare of others.

“With that very rich heritage comes a passionate view and commitment to serving others,” Howe said.

To read the full article click here. And to learn more about how social workers help people with mental illnesses visit the National Association of Social Workers’ “Help Starts Here” Mind and Spirit Website by clicking here.