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News Items – January 27, 2022

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Senate Failure to Pass Voting Rights Legislation Means Less Representation for Marginalized Populations
Yahoo Finance
The National Association of Social Workers – New Jersey Chapter (NASW-NJ) is extremely disappointed at the Senate’s inability to move forward on the Freedom to Vote: John R. Lewis Act. Ensuring every citizen’s access to the ballot is a key social justice priority of NASW and a major component of bringing empowerment to marginalized and under-represented communities in our nation. We thank our New Jersey Senators Booker and Menendez for their support of this legislation and hope they continue to pursue important voting rights protections that restore and expand upon protections created by the 1965 Voting Rights Act.

Hawaii Athletics places focus on mental health
KHON
Accusations into the University of Hawaii’s football team and athletic department for ignoring poor player treatment by former head football coach Todd Graham were punctuated by the parents of a former player testifying to the state senate about the lack of help for their son’s mental health issues. The university is laying out programs to help struggling students and steps to remedy communication hurdles in the future. In 2019, UH Athletics Director David Matlin hired a part-time licensed clinical social worker psychologist to work with UH’s student-athletes. UH also added a part-time specialist who was brought in to provide more care in 2021.

Progressives pitch emergency response alternative
WWLP
National Association of Social Workers Massachusetts Executive Director Rebekah Gewirtz said social workers and community-based organizations need to play a larger role in emergency response situations, and the Act to Create Alternatives for Community Emergency Services would help accomplish that. “The A.C.E.S Act aims to improve public health, access to mental health and social services, and reduce police violence by connecting those in crisis to community supports, rather than meeting them with control and force,” Gerwitz said during a virtual legislative briefing on Monday.

Mississippi Advocacy Network for Change: Use American Rescue Plan to Help Mississippians in Need
Daily Journal
Another bill addresses pay for pandemic workers, including social workers. “As a licensed professional social worker, it is very humbling to help and advocate for families on the front lines during a time of the COVID -19 pandemic and to walk away from each client knowing that you have met one of your NASW ethical principles of service. With support and resources, we can truly serve far beyond the pandemic as a profession,” said Dr. Gwen Bouie-Haynes, Executive Director of the National Association of Social Workers Mississippi Chapter. “These workers put their lives on the line every day so others can continue their lives, and they deserve compensation for their sacrifices.”

Jacksonville’s Villages of Hope: Tiny homes, big ‘sigh of relief’ for human-trafficking survivors
The Florida Times Union
“I come from a long line of abuse, drug addiction and mental-health issues,” she said. “It was just my normal. … I have little knowledge of what a healthy relationship should look like.” [Lisa Sheehan] survived with support from her maternal grandmother and a few social workers who stuck with her. After moving to New Orleans with a friend, she turned her life around and began work in the mental-health field helping other people in crisis. Now she is studying toward a licensed clinical social worker degree at FSCJ. She also is a survivor mentor at the Delores Barr Weaver Policy Center that works to meet the needs of young women and girls, particularly those impacted by the justice system.

Mallory Grimste is a member:
‘Reality shifting’ where users say they’re transported to another life has exploded on TikTok, but former shifters say it harmed their mental health
Insider
Mallory Grimste, an adolescent therapist and licensed clinical social worker said, “The idea of imagining or visualizing yourself in a different reality can be a very healthy coping strategy for many.” “Many therapists will often help their clients create their own ‘calm, safe space’ to visualize when they need to re-regulate difficult emotional responses and experiences,” she said.

Sabrina Spotorno is a member:
How to Help a High-Functioning Alcoholic in Denial
PsychCentral
You suspect your spouse, close friend, or relative has a drinking problem. Or maybe it’s so obvious, you’re shocked they can’t see it. But they don’t. And you’re tied up in knots, with no clue what to do. Or, maybe you’ve tried approaching your loved one. Countless times. But they just won’t listen. There are empathetic, actionable ways to support someone with an alcohol use disorder (AUD) who may be stuck in denial.… In short, “there’s not a single image of AUD,” points out Sabrina Spotorno, a clinical social worker and alcoholism and substance abuse counselor at Monument.

Kristen Lee is a member
8 Slightly Quirky Ways to Reclaim Your Mental Health
Psychology Today
Self-care during chaotic times can feel like trying to fill a bathtub with a leaky bucket and broken drain—and while blindfolded. Gone are the days when relief can be mustered with a quick walk in the park or a simple mantra. The pandemic is forcing us to be warriors, with jarring disruption at every turn. Staying well feels like a full-time job.

Julia Bartz is a member
4 Major Dating App Red Flags
Psychology Today
In the past, I’ve encouraged intuitive dating, which includes setting intentions, being mindful of your energy levels, and working on your past wounds to draw in the best partner. Today, I want to share some specific red flags for app dating that may indicate someone is being manipulative or dishonest. Hopefully, these will help you feel more empowered in what can be a confusing and anxiety-producing realm.

Dreaming of Becoming a Social Worker? 5 Things to Know
California News Times
People often choose social work as a profession because social work is a fulfilling career choice. It allows them to help people and make perceptible differences in their lives. But often, after they enter the profession, they become aware of the work environment. Social workers can be very rewarding and especially emotionally demanding When it comes to dealing with some mental and other emergency people.

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