ALEXANDRIA, VA—May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and the
Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) and
National Association of Social Workers (NASW) are joining communities and organizations across the country to raise awareness about the millions of American families affected with a mental illness. Both organizations are deeply committed to continuing efforts to fight for parity, improve the quality of life, and access to care and services for those impacted by mental illness.
Currently, approximately one in five adults is experiencing a mental health condition. The burden of mental illness in the U.S. continues to grow and the stigma associated with mental illness presents barriers to care and services. Mental illness not only impacts the individual, it is a public health issue that also affects families and communities. Despite the movement toward mental health parity, many gaps still exist for those suffering with mental illness.
With mental and behavioral health demands growing, it is imperative that we continue investments in building a sustainable mental health infrastructure and strive for true parity in mental health. CSWE and NASW will continue to make this an integral part of their efforts.
As one of the largest providers of mental health and substance use services in the United States, social workers are often on the front lines providing critical services and linking individuals to proper treatment and care across our nation’s communities. Social workers are in a unique position to touch the lives of Americans along the full continuum of care, from prevention and access to treatment and care. They also have the ability to reach multiple, vulnerable populations by providing services in a variety of settings, including community settings, schools, clinics, hospitals, welfare agencies, and government agencies.
Both CSWE and NASW partner with national efforts to promote access to mental health treatment, mental health parity, and destigmatizing campaigns. Examples include:
- NASW is a proud partner in the Change Direction to raise national awareness about mental health and supports the Change Direction Give an Hour Campaign, which encourages social workers and other mental health services providers to give free mental health services to veterans and their families.
- NASW is a major sponsor of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Voice Awards, which honor individuals, TV shows and films that help raise awareness about mental health and substance use disorders.
- CSWE participates in SAMHSA’s National Dialogue on Mental Health.
- CSWE and NASW are members of the Mental Health Liaison Group.
Both CSWE and NASW are committed to spreading awareness of the importance behind understanding mental health needs and encourage members to join the movement. CSWE and NASW members can participate by contacting their
Senators and
House Representatives and requesting continuous support for mental health as at top policy priority. Members can also take advantage of
special events hosted by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) for Mental Health Awareness Month.
ABOUT CSWE
Founded in 1952, the
Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) is the national association representing social work education in the United States. Its members include more than 750 accredited baccalaureate and master’s degree social work programs, as well as individual social work educators, practitioners, and agencies dedicated to advancing quality social work education. Through its many initiatives, activities, and centers, CSWE supports quality social work education and provides opportunities for leadership and professional development, so that social workers play a central role in achieving the profession’s goals of social and economic justice. CSWE’s Commission on Accreditation is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation as the sole accrediting agency for social work education in the United States and its territories. Learn more at
www.cswe.org.
Follow us on
Facebook,
LinkedIn, and
Twitter.
###
MEDIA CONTACT
Allison Moon
571-527-3481
amoon@cswe.org