We salute the Watertown Daily News for its story on the use of financial incentives to attract desperately needed social workers to northern New York state.  The Fort Drum Regional Health Planning Organization is awarding a $5,000 annual stipend to social workers who relocate there.

“Not only was I coming back home to something that was emotionally good, but my skills are appreciated and needed here, so that sounded like a wonderful match,” said Sandra Hamilton, who said the stipend encouraged her to return to the region to practice social work.