Binghamton University Researchers Develop New Approach to Cut Medicare Hospital Readmissions in Half
WBGH
Laura Bronstein, professor and chair of Binghamton University’s Department of Social Work, is also the director of the University’s Institute for Intergenerational Studies. She created this interdisciplinary training program so social workers and medical professionals could better understand the challenges each group faces in trying to improve patient health in and out of the hospital.

Social Workers Attack the Nonmedical Determinants of Health
D Healthcare Daily
Brandy Gray, a social worker at the Golden Cross Clinic in Dallas, said there is a shortage of health resources that are free or can be paid for on a sliding scale. Many patients do not qualify for assistance, she said, because they live in ZIP codes that are not flagged as being impoverished. “There is a strong push to treat the whole person,” she said. “Medical issues are exacerbated by social conditions. The need for social workers (in healthcare) is pretty great.”

Demand for more social workers, better services
abc7.com
According to organizers of Tuesday morning’s rally, social workers in L.A. County are woefully understaffed, barely able to keep up with an overwhelming caseload. “We are just doing the basics. We’re doing a disservice because we don’t have enough people to do it,” said social worker Daniel Marquez.

New program at Saint Peter’s to assist families of lesbian, gay, bisexual …
The Star-Ledger – NJ.com
They will be seen and aided through family therapy sessions conducted by a licensed social worker. “As a gay man, family therapist and family member, I have always been amazed by the depth and power of family relationships – and social scientists know that good family relationships can protect members from the ravages of mental illness, drug addiction, and can discourage unsafe sexual behavior,” LaSala said. “That is why I am proud to join with Saint Peter’s and Rutgers University for this innovative project to strengthen families by helping them adjust to, accept, and even cherish their LGBT children.”

MSU Study Tracks Depression in Seniors and Ethnic Groups
WSYM-TV
Amanda Toler Woodward, associate professor of social work at Michigan State University, said major depression among older people is worse than many believe and has major implications as the baby boomers age.

A mission of peace for all New Orleanians: Editorial
The Times-Picayune
Her death has stunned her friends and former classmates in Tulane University’s social work program. The testimonials on the fund-raising page at YouCaring.com set up by her social work classmates to help her family bespeak a person who was beloved and respected. Friends and colleagues who organized the vigil Wednesday night said they wanted to be sure that others understood how special Ms. Qualls was. She also was dedicated to making New Orleans a better place, they said.