Washington DC – Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) and Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) introduced a bicameral congressional resolution marking March 15th as World Social Work Day and celebrating March as Social Work Month.
“As a psychiatric social worker, I know firsthand the critical contributions that social workers make to our communities,” said Congresswoman Barbara Lee. “Social workers are tireless advocates for the vulnerable and voiceless.
Through their work, they promote empathy and compassion across our country while helping families overcome economic, social and structural barriers to success. My resolution celebrates this important profession that strengthens families and supports those who are struggling.”
“Social workers play critical roles in our communities,” said Senator Stabenow. “Whether in schools, hospitals, mental health agencies, or community service organizations, these trained professionals provide critical support to families and improve the quality of life for all of us.”
The theme for this year’s World Social Work Day is “Promoting the Dignity and Worth of Peoples.” This theme celebrates the persistent work of social workers helping individuals, communities and the larger society tackle and solve issues that confront our most vulnerable.
Congresswoman Lee authored H.R. 1378, the Social Work Reinvestment Act, which establishes a commission to study the social work profession and promote recruitment, retention and reinvestment in social workers. She has also introduced H.R. 2375, the Student Support Act, which provides school funding for hiring school-based mental health counselors, social workers, and student support counselors.
Lastly, Congresswoman Lee is the sponsor of H.R. 3712, Improving Access to Mental Health Act, which updates reimbursements for clinical social workers to help seniors who are enrolled in Medicare access comprehensive behavioral health services.
Congresswoman Lee is a member of the Appropriations and Budget Committees, the Steering and Policy Committee, is a Senior Democratic Whip, former chair of the Congressional Black Caucus and co-chair of the Progressive Caucus. She serves as chair of the Democrat Whip Task Force on Poverty, Income Inequality and Opportunity as well as the Chair of the Congressional Social Work Caucus.
