[Congressional Bills 118th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. Res. 592 Introduced in Senate (IS)]

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118th CONGRESS
  2d Session
S. RES. 592

 Supporting the goals and ideals of Social Work Month and World Social 
                      Work Day on March 19, 2024.


_______________________________________________________________________


                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

                             March 19, 2024

   Ms. Stabenow (for herself and Ms. Sinema) submitted the following 
 resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Health, Education, 
                          Labor, and Pensions

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION


 
 Supporting the goals and ideals of Social Work Month and World Social 
                      Work Day on March 19, 2024.

Whereas the 700,000 social workers of the United States are an essential 
        workforce that promotes the health and well-being of the people of the 
        United States in communities across the country every day;
Whereas social workers are leaders in addressing the influence of social 
        determinants of health, such as housing, employment, education, and 
        transportation, on individual and communal health and well-being;
Whereas social workers--

    (1) pursue social justice as part of their code of ethics and have been 
a leading voice in social change movements for over a century;

    (2) combat racism and discrimination in all its forms, including 
xenophobia, homophobia, transphobia, gender discrimination, religious 
intolerance, and discrimination against individuals with mental illness; 
and

    (3) promote voting rights, a livable wage, workplace safety, social 
safety net programs that help alleviate poverty, hunger, and homelessness, 
and the rights of individuals with disabilities;

Whereas social workers support individuals and communities in a wide range of 
        settings, including hospitals, health and behavioral health care 
        facilities, nursing homes, community centers, Veterans Affairs clinics, 
        schools, child welfare agencies, law enforcement agencies, disaster 
        relief agencies, correctional institutions, and private practice 
        settings;
Whereas social workers work in all levels of government to advance the promise 
        of the United States and the health and well-being of the people of the 
        United States;
Whereas social workers are one of the largest providers of mental health, 
        behavioral health, and social care services in the United States, 
        working daily to help thousands of people in the United States overcome 
        mental illnesses, such as depression and anxiety, and meet basic needs;
Whereas social workers are on the frontlines of the addiction crisis in the 
        United States, helping individuals get the treatment they need and 
        prevail over substance use disorders;
Whereas social workers play a vital role in helping United States veterans and 
        their families access benefits, secure housing, and cope with stress and 
        post-traumatic stress disorder;
Whereas social workers play a vital role in promoting the health, well-being, 
        and dignity of older adults and their ability to live safely and 
        securely in their own homes and communities;
Whereas social workers play a vital role in supporting the millions of family 
        caregivers across the country who are caring for loved ones in need of 
        assistance;
Whereas social workers are a vital source of assistance, comfort, and support 
        for individuals and families coping with illness, death, and grief;
Whereas social workers play a vital role in helping individuals, families, and 
        communities rebuild their lives and neighborhoods after climate-related 
        natural disasters such as fires, floods, and hurricanes;
Whereas social workers play a vital role in promoting infant and maternal health 
        and keeping children and families safe from interpersonal violence;
Whereas social workers support students and collaborate with parents, teachers, 
        school boards, and community agencies to promote student success in 
        schools across the country;
Whereas social workers are a critical source of information, services, and 
        support in the rural communities of the United States;
Whereas social workers served on the frontlines of the COVID-19 Public Health 
        Emergency, delivering behavioral health services and helping 
        individuals, families, and communities cope with the devastating loss of 
        life, jobs, and safety during the pandemic;
Whereas the 2024 Social Work Month theme, ``Empowering Social Workers: Inspiring 
        Action, Leading Change'' embodies how social workers are invaluable to 
        the ever-changing dynamics of our country;
Whereas social workers enter the profession because they have a strong desire to 
        help empower individuals, families, communities, and the United States 
        to overcome issues that prevent them from reaching their full potential;
Whereas social workers are essential to community well-being, and, as 
        practitioners, social workers are trained to help individuals address 
        personal and systemic barriers to optimal living;
Whereas social workers are employed to effect positive change in individuals, 
        families, groups, and entire communities;
Whereas social workers advocate for equal rights for all;
Whereas the social work profession is one of the fastest growing professions in 
        the United States, but the profession is still not large enough to meet 
        the demand in the face of the mental health crisis;
Whereas there is a need to make a meaningful investment in recruitment and 
        retention of the social work profession; and
Whereas social workers are ethically bound to work throughout our society to 
        meet individuals where they are and help empower individuals and our 
        society to reach the goals they wish to attain: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the Senate--
            (1) supports the goals and ideals of Social Work Month and 
        World Social Work Day on March 19, 2024;
            (2) recognizes with gratitude the contributions of the 
        millions of social workers who have, since the dawning of the 
        social work profession, advanced the health and well-being of 
        individuals, families, communities, and the United States;
            (3) acknowledges the diligent efforts of individuals and 
        groups who promote the importance of social work and observe 
        Social Work Month and World Social Work Day; and
            (4) encourages individuals to engage in appropriate 
        ceremonies and activities to promote further awareness of the 
        integral role that social workers play in making a more perfect 
        Union.
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