Diane Elze honored as an NASW Social Work Pioneer
University of Buffalo
The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) has named Diane E. Elze, PhD, associate professor emeritus in the University at Buffalo School of Social Work, a “Social Work Pioneer,” one of the profession’s highest honors. The NASW Social Work Pioneers program honors members of the social work profession who have contributed to the profession’s evolution and enrichment. Elze will be inducted on Oct. 14 in Washington, D.C., alongside other influential social workers, including NAACP co-founder W.E.B. Du Bois, who will be posthumously recognized for his impact.

Ryan Estes is a member of NASW-NC:
Tillis, local leaders discuss federal funding needs for school mental health and safety
Port City Daily
Estes added students and teachers were “traumatized” and that would take a while to subside, even with adequate resources. The chief operating officer at Coastal Horizons also pushed the importance of competitive pay. “We don’t have a workforce shortage,” Estes said. “We have a wage shortage, paying mental health [employees] disproportionate wages to what someone can do in private therapy. We’re never going to build out an infrastructure if the going rate for therapy is $150 on the private market and it’s $70 on our Medicaid system.” 

Amy Saloner is a member of NASW-CA:
FRHD presents Wellness Wednesday with a focus on cultivating resilient teens in the digital age
Village News
Fallbrook Regional Health District announces the latest installment of its monthly Wellness Wednesday series. This month’s focus is on the important topic of “Cultivating Resilient Teens in The Digital Age,” presented by Amy Saloner, LCSW, FNTP, Teen & Family Resilience Coach. Saloner, a well-known expert on raising resilient teens and young adults, has worked with children and families for over 30 years as a therapist, educator, speaker, event producer and coach. Her work has spanned the developmental spectrum from birth through young adulthood and specializes in raising resilient teens and young adults.

Melina Brann is Director of Public Policy for NASW-MI:
[Video] SOS: Michigan’s health care shortage continues
WILX
“We are seeing, across the board, that there are a number of vacancies in social work and behavioral health positions across the state,” said Melina Brann, Director of Policy and Advocacy at the National Association of Social Workers. Two different health care services. Both in need of more staff. According to the report, mental health jobs like psychologists or community health workers are facing “immense” shortages across the state. “We are seeing longer wait times because of the need increasing,” said Brann. She said the state recognizes the need for more social and mental health employees. “Organizations across the state and even here in Lansing that have been trying to utilize more recent graduates from social work.”

Marla Velky-Reger is a member of NASW-NYS:
Area teens, adults learn about Mental Health First Aid
Rome Daily Sentinel
“We are very fortunate to have the opportunity to offer this training to our students and staff,” said Marla Velky-Reger, a licensed clinical social worker from the Cazenovia Central School district. “Just as first aid/CPR training can help us in a medical crisis, MHFA teaches people how to recognize warning signs and how to support someone in a mental health crisis. Our collaboration with the MCRHC has been a great resource for our district.”

Lisa Wyly is a transitional member of NASW-CA:
Wyly on mental health: ‘I recognized the need and wanted to be a part of the solution’
Kern Valley Sun
Lisa Wyly is the Kern Valley Health District’s (KVHD) clinical social work manager, providing mobile and in-person mental health care to the elderly, teens/school-age children and those suffering from addiction. Wyly is administering the region’s Quality Incentive Program, a grant program focused on encouraging preventative health care. Wyly is a newly licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), having passed her licensure test in May. In this role, she provides therapy in person and also directs a mobile unit to schools to provide therapy. 

Lynette Spencer is a member of NASW-IL:
Action Consulting and Therapy: The power of pausing for mental health
Shaw Local News Network
In today’s fast-paced and demanding world, it’s no surprise that mental health concerns have become increasingly prevalent. The pressures of work, school, relationships and social media, to name a few, often can feel overwhelming, leaving individuals feeling mentally drained and emotionally exhausted. Amid the constant hustle and bustle of life, taking a moment to pause and prioritize mental health is of utmost importance.

Deborah Rosenwein is a member of NASW-NJ:
JFSCNJ Celebrates Holocaust Survivor Day At Springfield’s Congregation Israel
Jewish Link
JFSCNJ Holocaust survivors were joined by staff, community members, and JFS of MetroWest New Jersey Holocaust Survivors, friends, and staff, to celebrate Holocaust Survivor Day, Sunday, July 16th at Congregation Israel in Springfield. Debbie Rosenwein, LCSW, JFSCNJ Director of Holocaust Services, introduced the history of the Holocaust Survivor Day celebration dating back to 2020, as an initiative to “host events, large and small, to ensure that our survivors feel loved, cared for and greatly appreciated.”

Gail Quenneville is a member of NASW-OR:
New book discussion group looks at empathy
Yamhill County’s News-Register
Community members can join a new book and movie discussion group designed to raise awareness and build empathy for others. Gail Quenneville, a licensed clinical social worker, leads the group, which meets monthly at the McMinnville Public Library. She said people don’t have to read the books or see the movies before joining the group, although reading or viewing will enrich the discussion.

Kalimah Johnson is a member of NASW-MI:
High-profile attacks reflect why Black community faces more domestic violence
The Detroit News
Kalimah Johnson, a clinical social worker, founded the SASHA Center (Sexual Assault Services for Holistic Healing and Awareness) in Detroit 13 years ago to provide support group services for members of the African American community that have experienced sexual assault. “A lot of times, sexual assault goes hand in hand with domestic violence,” Johnson said. “We try to gather and get Black women together to lower the isolation of being sexually assaulted or domestically abused.” Carolyn Kagan is a member of NASW-CT:
These Connecticut ‘homesteaders’ grow their own everything
CT Insider
Carolyn Kagan, a clinical social worker, also considers herself a homesteader. But she’s not looking to cut grocery stores out of her life or prepping to live like a pioneer. She does have a pleasant home on a well-manicured plot of land in suburban Stamford where, if you didn’t know it, you might walk past a veritable produce section. Her family’s house looks like any other, with a lush yard for the kids, an overactive dog, and two cars in the driveway.

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