Health and Community Services
March 1, 2013
Ministers Recognize National Social Work Month
Today marks the beginning of National Social Work Month, observed annually in March to highlight the contributions of social workers and the positive role they play in communities across Canada.
“In recognition of National Social Work Month, I would like to thank the social workers of our province for their exceptional service,” said the Honourable Charlene Johnson, Minister of Child, Youth and Family Services. “Social workers provide valuable guidance, protection and support to our most vulnerable populations. By helping citizens obtain a better quality of life, social workers ultimately serve to build stronger communities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.”
There are over 1,450 registered social workers practising throughout all regions of the province. Social work practitioners administer essential programs and services to individuals and groups in a variety of areas, including health, senior care, adult and youth corrections, child protection, addictions, and mental health, as well as in community-based centres, government departments and universities. Also, there are many social workers who are self-employed in private practice and consulting businesses.
Throughout the month, social workers across the province will be partaking in a variety of activities and promoting the overall profession of social work. This includes a proclamation signing on March 12, during which the Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Health and Community Services, will be joined by Minister Johnson, as well as members of the Board of Directors of the Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Social Workers to officially proclaim National Social Work Month in the province.
“The work of social workers assists individuals and families to enhance their overall health and well-being and it is easy to see the contributions these highly professional individuals have made,” said Minister Sullivan. “In our province’s health system, social workers provide essential services in the area of mental health and addictions, and work in our province’s hospitals and long-term care facilities. Our government thanks and recognizes all social workers for their tremendous contributions.”
National Social Work Week’s theme this year is Social Workers: Defending Social Programs for a Stronger Canada. It recognizes the profession’s commitment to improving the health and well-being of individuals, families, groups and communities through direct service delivery, health promotion, and social policy analysis.
- 30 -
Media contacts:
| Michelle Hunt Director of Communications Department of Child, Youth and Family Services 709-729-5148, 725-1593 michellehunt@gov.nl.ca |
Jennifer Tulk Director of Communications Health and Community Services 709-729-1377, 699-6524 jennifertulk@gov.nl.ca |
2013 03 01 11:50 a.m.