Beryl Cohen is executive director of NASW-IN:
‘Defund’ police is a lofty demand, but not totally unfeasible in Indy
Indianapolis Recorder
Beryl Cohen, executive director of the National Association of Social Workers Indiana Chapter, said it’s not enough to simply move in a direction where social workers and other service providers are the ones responding to non-violent scenes, though. The details matter. Are service providers part of the police department? Do they come through a partnership with a local clinic? Is there an armed officer nearby in case of an emergency? “If there was one, easy solution to this whole problem, we would’ve done it a long time ago,” Cohen said.

Albuquerque will begin sending unarmed social workers in response to some 911 calls
The Denver Channel
The city of Albuquerque, New Mexico, is answering calls to “defund the police” by creating a new public safety department that will send unarmed social workers instead of police officers in response to some 911 calls. On Monday, Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller (D) said his administration would form a new city department, Albuquerque Community Safety, whose personnel would respond to some emergency calls.

Cynthia Edwards and Summer Woodside are members:
UNCP awarded $3.1M grant to provide scholarships
The Laurinburg Exchange
UNC-Pembroke has been awarded a $3.1 million federal grant which will provide financial assistance over five years for 185 students seeking a master’s degree in social work. University leaders believe the Expanding the Mental Health Professional Workforce in Rural NC (EMPOWER MSWs) program has the potential to significantly increase the number of licensed clinical social work practitioners in the area and will have a transformative effect on mental health care in the region.

Victor Armstrong is a member:
[Video] Suicide Prevention Discussion 1
UNC TV
VICTOR ARMSTRONG (Director, NC Division of MHDDSAS), DR. MICHELLE LAWS (Assistant Director, Division of MHDDSAS, Consumer Policy and Engagement), DR. JOHN DRAPER (Executive Director of the SAMHSA-funded National Suicide Prevention Lifeline), and DR. CHRISTINE MOUTIER (Chief Medical Officer, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention discuss suicide and mental health.

Wilma Peebles-Wilkins is a member and NASW Pioneer:
[Video] New documentary to highlight forgotten Raleigh community of freed slaves
WRAL
A new documentary called Oberlin: A Village Rooted In Freedom is intended to bring some of what Oberlin Village was back to life. The film documents what made Oberlin Village special and how it was ultimately destroyed by segregation and construction. Wade Avenue was built right down the middle of Oberlin Village, splitting it in half and solidifying its decline. [Dr. Wilma Peebles-Wilkins, NASW Pioneer, is featured in this documentary.]

Wendy Nadolny is a member
Northwest Colorado Health: Reducing stigma around Substance Use Disorder to support recovery
Craig Daily Press
“Addiction is so powerful. For many individuals who are addicted to substances, it can be extremely difficult to just stop. Often there are multiple unsuccessful, painful attempts. MAT can be the first successful step in the recovery process. It gives individuals the ability to begin living more of a self-directed life,” said Wendy Nadolny, LCSW, and Behavioral Health Provider with Northwest Colorado Health.  “Community members can support these efforts by learning how and why this treatment is effective. Reducing the stigma around MAT ultimately helps remove barriers to treatment for those who need it. Also, it will help build a more supportive community for those seeking recovery and their families.”

Liz Cohen is a member:
Health Matters: Planning for End of Life
centraljersey.com
Discussions about the end of life are often taboo. This is especially true in America, where many feel uncomfortable speaking of or even contemplating their healthcare wishes in the face of terminal illness and where advanced medical interventions are able to keep people alive longer.

Marline Francois-Madden is a member:
A Therapist Explains Why Activists Should Take Care of Their Mental Health – and How to Do It
Yahoo Life
Participating in protests that amplify those voices and those issues can feel freeing and fulfilling, because “you are addressing social issues and racial injustices that matters to you,” said Marline Francois-Madden, LCSW, an author and licensed clinical social worker in New Jersey. “What I’ve heard, specifically from protesters, is ‘I didn’t realize how much I needed that.'”

Chanté Gamby is a member:
8 Black Therapists on Their Best Advice for Coping Right Now
SELF
Ask someone you trust to back up your feelings. “We need to remind ourselves that we are entitled to our feelings—every single one of us. If you believe that other people have a right to have varying feelings, then you also have that right. I would also recommend reaching out to trusted support systems who can validate those feelings.” —Chante’ Gamby, L.C.S.W.

Meghann Johnson is a member:
Another major add for SMC
Shoshone News Press
Shoshone Medical Center has added yet another service for the Silver Valley community with the addition of SMC Support Services. Under the guidance of licensed clinical social worker and SMC Social Services Manager Meghann Johnson, the facility is now accepting patients and focusing on the mental health of Shoshone County’s residents. Focusing specifically on psychotherapies (mental health counseling), including individual counseling and family counseling, serving all ages of people.

Abby Koch is a member:
[Video] Young Naperville Trader Dies By Suicide After Seeing $730K Negative Balance on App
NBC Chicago
If you received unexpected or troubling news, mental health experts say, it’s especially important to take a step back and use your coping skills. “You can do anything that can help distract your mind from those feelings,” said Abby Koch, a licensed clinical social worker. “Unfortunately, some people just can’t think that quick, which is also why I say, just in general, we need to keep an eye on each other.”

Sonyia Richardson is a member:
Are the kids really alright?
North Carolina Health News
Sonyia Richardson is a licensed clinical social worker in Charlotte who specializes in treating depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation, particularly among African Americans. Richardson stresses that parents need to show “a bit of grace” about regulating screen time because this is an adjustment for kids who may use social media as a coping mechanism. In fact, parents should be concerned if a child stops engaging online.

Jaclyn “Jacki” Alessio is a member:
Torrington health center giving free COVID-19 tests Wednesday at Coe Memorial Park
The Register-Citizen (CT)
Community Health and Wellness Center is offering weekly testing for COVID-19 throughout the next month at locations around the community. The test is free, and results are available in two to three days. The CHWC testing team includes Michelle Brady, director of nursing; Tara Monroy, practice manager; nurses; patient service representatives; and Jaclyn “Jacki” Alessio, licensed clinical social worker, who assists with registration and offers behavioral health and wellness counseling.