SENATE RESOLUTION 31

(By Senators Takubo, Romano, Lindsay, Baldwin, and Rucker)

[Introduced March 29, 2021]

Designating the month of March as National Social Work Month.

Whereas, The theme of Social Work Month 2021 is Social Workers Are Essential, which describes the heroic contributions of the social work profession to our state and nation; and

Whereas, The social work profession is among the fastest growing professions in the United States, with nearly 800,000 people expected to be employed as social workers by 2028; and

Whereas, Wherever they work, whether in mental health, child welfare, health care, private practice, schools, public service, businesses, religious or nonprofit organizations, or communities, social workers empower people to live to their fullest potential by improving human well-being and helping people achieve self-sufficiency, especially the most vulnerable among us; and

Whereas, Social workers are one of the largest groups of mental health care providers in the nation, applying evidence-based techniques to help people overcome substance use disorders and mental conditions such as depression and anxiety; and

Whereas, Social workers are always present in times of crisis, such as the current pandemic, to help people overcome deeply personal issues such as illness and grief, and helping communities recover from disasters such as fires and floods; and

Whereas, Social workers help society live up to its highest ideals by advocating for the rights for all people regardless of race, class, gender, identity, expression, culture, or religion; and

Whereas, Social workers stand ready to assist West Virginia and the nation to overcome present and future challenges, such as poverty, mental illness, substance abuse, racial injustice, and social and health inequities; therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate:

That the Senate designates the month of March as National Social Work Month; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Senate hereby recognizes West Virginia social workers for their dedication and commitment to promoting the well-being of all West Virginians; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Clerk is hereby directed to forward a copy of this resolution to the West Virginia Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers and the Secretary of the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources.