Dierdre Ashley, the writer, is a member:
Spring changes are harder for bipolar people
Jackson Hole News & Guide (WY)
For most people the process of “coming out of hibernation” and enjoying newfound energy is turned to positive outlooks or actions. Making plans, taking on projects — spring cleaning, for example — getting out more and sometimes just getting out of town for adventures are all ways to deal with the change. For people with increased sensitivity to drastic change this can be a more difficult adjustment. Those with bipolar disorders may be more sensitive to seasonal and daylight changes.

Frances Nedjat-Haiem is a member:
NMSU social work professor leading study, community discussion on advance care planning
KRWG.org (NM)
Death isn’t often an easy topic to discuss, but Frances Nedjat-Haiem, a New Mexico State University social work associate professor, is working to change that. After working in medical settings as a social worker for more than 12 years, Nedjat-Haiem saw many people, especially Latinos, not able to speak up for themselves when faced with a life threatening medical condition. And that experience inspired Nedjat-Haiem to start community conversations about topics such as the need for advance directives, which are legal documents that detail decisions about end-of-life care. Advance directives assist patients, family members and health care professionals when they are necessary.

Rebecca Macy is a member:
Can yoga help those experiencing depression, anxiety or PTSD?
UNC-Chapel Hill News
Across the country, health and human service providers have shown a growing interest in using yoga as an option for treating people who experience mental health problems. But a recent study from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill found that while there are some promising benefits to using yoga, there isn’t yet enough evidence to support the practice as a standalone solution for improving mental health and well-being. “I really wanted to know if yoga is something we should be suggesting to people who have post-traumatic stress disorder, or depression, or anxiety or various traumas. What does the evidence really say?,” said Rebecca Macy, a researcher who works with violence and trauma survivors who headed up the study at the UNC School of Social Work.

Racism And Health Care in Delaware
Delmarva Public Radio
A conversation last night at Theatre N in Wilmington found a panel examining the health impacts of racism. At the gathering Marlene Saunders, executive director of the National Association of Social Workers Delaware Chapter, said that racism has a physical impact. She said there were studies that showed the ramifications included high blood pressure and other heart related problems.

Lori Wiener is a member:
American Psychosocial Oncology Society Endorses Psychosocial Standards of Care for Children With Cancer and Their Families
ascopost.com
Lori Wiener, PhD, DCSW, Co-Director of the Pediatric Oncology Branch at the National Cancer Institute, federal liaison to the APOS Board of Directors, and APOS Fellow, was instrumental in developing the pediatric psychosocial standards. Dr. Wiener stated, “These standards were developed, in large part, during APOS annual conferences from 2012–2015, when leaders in the field came together in separate think tanks to address current knowledge, needs, and how to strategically develop evidence-based standards of care pertaining to pediatric psychosocial data.”

Social Work Month:

Care Dimensions celebrates ‘National Social Work Month’ in March
Wicked Local Swampscott (MA)
Care Dimensions, formerly Hospice of the North Shore & Greater Boston, joins with the National Association of Social Workers to celebrate National Social Work Month in March. “Our social workers play an integral role within our interdisciplinary team and strive to provide the best care to patients and families, no matter what their needs may be,” said Judy Cranney, vice president and chief operating officer for the nonprofit organization.

Celebrate social workers during the month of March
Pacific Daily News
“The nation’s social workers take on some of the most serious and complex issues facing society — poverty, mental illness, voting rights, racism, and child welfare — and work with individuals, families, communities and government to create positive solutions,” National Association of social Workers CEO Angelo McClain said. “NASW and its chapters want to help the nation celebrate these accomplishments during National Social Work Month.… NASW Guam Chapter continues to work with the Legislature, our governor and the appointed Guam Social Workers Board to move this change forward.

DCS receives proclamation from city
The Jackson Sun (TN)
Work at the Madison County Department of Children’s Services came to halt Thursday — if only for a few minutes — as Mayor Jerry Gist read a proclamation to the staff in honor of National Social Work Month. “We all have gifts, but this staff has a special gift,” Gist said. “When much is given, much is required, and they are using their skills wisely.”

Hospice Advantage Celebrates National Social Workers Month
WTVY (Dothan, AL)
The Hospice Advantage program serving Houston, Henry, Barbour and Geneva Counties is commemorating National Social Workers Month this March by recognizing local social workers for their tireless dedication to the patients and families they serve. The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) has selected “Forging Solutions Out of Challenges” for this year’s theme to honor the work social workers do to help people overcome life’s challenges so they can live more fulfilling lives.

Congresswoman Lee & Senator Stabenow Celebrate World Social Work Day
noodls blog
Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) and Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) introduced a bicameral congressional resolution marking March 15th as World Social Work Day and celebrating March as Social Work Month. ‘As a psychiatric social worker, I know firsthand the critical contributions that social workers make to our communities,’ said Congresswoman Barbara Lee. ‘Social workers are tireless advocates for the vulnerable and voiceless. Through their work, they promote empathy and compassion across our country while helping families overcome economic, social and structural barriers to success. My resolution celebrates this important profession that strengthens families and supports those who are struggling.’