The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Media Awards recognize media professionals and outlets that help raise awareness about social work and social work issues.

Hundreds of social workers and their allies voted for this year’s candidates.

And the winners are:

Documentary/Film:

Photo courtesy of PBS.

Almost Sunrise

This film informs the public about the mental health issues that veterans experience and puts a spotlight on the troubling trend of suicide among veterans.

News Column:

Photo of Chris Olmsted courtesy of NOLA.com/Times-Picayune.

When police understand mental illness, risks are lower: editorial

Editorial Board: Times-Picayune/NOLA.com

This editorial looks at how New Orleans police launched a program run by a social worker to train police officers on how to interact with people who may be mentally illness in order to avoid violent outcomes.

Magazine Article:

Illustration of John Cowart courtesy of The Atlantic.

Someone to Talk to Upon Returning from War

By Adrienne Green, Atlantic Magazine

The magazine did a profile of National Association of Social Workers Social Worker of the Year John Cowart. For decades Cowart did groundbreaking work to improve care of veterans in North Carolina.

News Article:

Dana Courtney. Photo courtesy of the Times-News.

Real People: Dana Courtney’s belief in the right to vote really registers

By Natalie Allison Janicello, Times-News  in Burlington, NC

This article looks at the success of social worker Dana Courtney in registering people to vote, some of whom have never bothered to vote before.  She said it is exciting to see people get involved in the political process who might not otherwise participate.

Radio:

Photo of Silas Kelly courtesy of Long Island News Radio.

Promoting the Social Work Profession

Long Island News Radio 103.9 FM

National Association of Social Workers official Silas Kelly used a wide-ranging interview with Long Island News Radio to talk about the rewards and challenges of the social work profession.

Trade Publication Article:

Photo courtesy of LGBTQ Nation.

LGBT Elder Housing: Opening Doors Without Finding Closets

By Susan Coyle, MSW, Social Work Today Magazine

Older adults who are LGBTQ struggle to find welcoming, affordable elder housing.This article describes the challenges they face and how some are finding solutions.

TV News Segment:

Screenshot courtesy of KVIA ABC-7.

UTEP professors create program for social workers that targets Hispanics

Ashlie Rodrigues, KVIA ABC 7 in El Paso Texas

Two social workers created a free online program to help other social workers overcome cultural barriers that keep them from treating mental illness among clients who are Hispanic.