By HyeSook Chung
March is Social Work Month and an opportunity to recognize the nation’s more than 650,000 social workers who make the District and all communities a better place to live. As a trained social worker, I understand first-hand social work’s critical importance, and it is a privilege as deputy to guide and nurture these activities every day.
Social workers both in and outside of the District of Columbia play an integral role in supporting residents, including youth, seniors, families and individuals of all ages and backgrounds. The National Association of Social Workers has named the 2018 theme for the month: “Leaders. Advocates. Champions.” Social workers in the District embody those values every day.
Social workers are a critical lifeline for all of our agencies, including the DC Office on Aging, Department on Disability Services, Department of Health, Department of Health Care Finance, Department of Human Services, Department of Behavioral Health, Child and Family Services and the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services. They also work in DC Public Schools and the criminal justice system. Our Board of Social Work regulates the licensing and practices of the profession, ensuring social workers have the training and guidance to serve District residents as effectively as possible.
Again, I want to thank the District’s social workers for their role in creating hope and opportunity for our residents and exemplifying the best of DC values. Happy social work month!
HyeSook Chung is the Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services
