Many say now is the time to fight racial bias in foster care
ABCNews
Angelo McClain, CEO of the National Association of Social Workers, said there’s been a surge of concern within his organization about racial issues, prompting a series of virtual town halls for members about racism, white privilege and police reform. “People are trying to leverage this moment to bring about change,” McClain said.

Stephanie Rose is a member:
[Video] Zero Tolerance: From Birth to Stigma
Recover Yourself
Zero Tolerance is kind of a big deal. Like trickle-down economics, it doesn’t work but we (our society) keep on working it. When we turn away from the facts around zero tolerance like it causes more harm than good, which has been proven time and again, we are just kicking the can down the road. You see, Zero Tolerance is a bill that is going to have to be paid, but, and this is just like addiction, if we don’t face it head-on and make the changes we need to make now, well, we’re just paying the interest and the principle is still due.

Ellen Fink-Samnick is a member:
CDC Declares Racism a Public Health Threat
RAC Monitor
However, for our purposes, the date will now be etched in healthcare history as when the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) took long-needed action to declare “racism a series public health threat,” and one that directly affects the well-being of far too many people. Over this past year, fierce societal narratives have focused on the COVID-19 pandemic, social and racial inequities, and how these inequities impact community health and wellness. Longstanding structural barriers have created challenges in terms of access to, affordability of, and attainment of necessary health and mental healthcare across marginalized populations that span urban, suburban, and rural regions.

[Audio] WV Groups Call on Manchin to Support ‘For the People Act’
Public News Service
Sam Hickman, executive director of the West Virginia chapter of the National Association of Social Workers, said he thinks the bill would drive down the state’s already low voter-participation rate. “The results of our elections certainly do not point to any fraud or abuse having taken place,” said Hickman. “West Virginia’s Legislature is now also doing its best to restrict voter access in the name of preventing fraud and abuse and easing the burden on our county clerks, rather than making it easier for voters.”

Courtney Tracy is a member:
4 Ways This Therapist Manages Her Own “Really F*cking Severe” Physical Anxiety
Pop Sugar
Anyone with anxiety can tell you that this condition doesn’t just exist in your brain. Sure, there are mental and emotional symptoms, but anxiety can also affect your body physically by causing muscle tension, high heart rate, headaches, digestive issues, dizziness . . . the list goes on. Therapist Courtney Tracy, LCSW, PsyD, experiences severe anxiety herself (in her own words, “really f*cking severe” anxiety), and as she recently shared on TikTok, she’s still working on addressing the physical aspect of it. “My body is the last part of myself I’m trying to teach that it doesn’t need to be so anxious,” she explained in a comment.

Social workers deserve more appreciation for their hard work
The Ticker
Many have overlooked the fact that March is Social Workers Month alongside Women’s History Month, which, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, should not be the case. The COVID-19 pandemic has amplified the need to give recognition to the essential workers who truly change the lives of others. Among these professions are those in the medical field, teachers and social workers.

Jennifer Staffero is a member:
Tips to Maintain a Good Mental Health
CSU Signal
Jennifer Staffero, a counselor at Stan State and licensed clinical social worker with over 20 years of experience, suggests that students can change their moods if they change their way of thinking. A person with negative thoughts may tend to always feel down, while a person has a positive mindset tends to feel more energized and uplifted. Staffero also suggests that students meditate to feel more peace in their lives. This is key in enjoying yourself because a clear mindset is a happy mindset.

Karen Marshall is a member:
Dissociative Identity Disorder: A Therapist’s Own Experience
Psychology Today
The documentary Busy Inside follows Karen Marshall, a licensed clinical social worker and therapist specializing in DID. Marshall has been diagnosed with DID herself and uses her personal experience to guide her clients through the healing process. The film shows both Marshall and her clients in professional and personal settings, providing us with an intimate look into the daily lives of people experiencing this disorder.

Seattle launches second firefighter-social worker team to cover U District, Ballard
Seattle Times
Seattle is expanding a program that sends firefighters with social workers to 911 calls involving people on the streets who need help other than a trip to the hospital. A second Health One team will launch later this week, allowing the city to expand coverage from downtown and Capitol Hill to the University District and Ballard, Mayor Jenny Durkan and City Council members announced Tuesday.

Laura Burkhardt, Micaela Romero, and Audrey Reich-Loy are members:
Anything but normal
Valley Courier
For most people, their normal work schedule and responsibilities usually look the same every day. But for SLV Health social workers Micaela Romero, Laura Burkhardt and Audrey Reich-Loy, their days are anything but normal.

Wendy Behary is a member:
What To Do When You’re Married To a Narcissist
The Good Men Project
Being married to a narcissist can be incredibly draining and difficult. Recently I had a conversation with Wendy Behary. She’s a licensed clinical social worker who has specialized in working with narcissists and those in with relationships with narcissists. She shared three powerful tips to help you deal with a narcissistic partner.