Community Voices for Health

By Nicole Long, CEO, Old Colony Elder Services

March is Social Work Month, a time for celebrating the important profession of social work. This special month is dedicated to raising awareness about the valuable contributions of social workers. It’s an opportunity to educate the public, policymakers, legislators, and employers on the vital role social workers play in empowering individuals to overcome challenges and reach their highest potential.

The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) will help lead the 2024 Social Work Month celebration with the theme “Empowering Social Workers.” As social workers and others nationwide confront serious challenges, including the need for additional mental health service providers, the campaign will focus on ways in which Americans can support the social work profession.

A recent report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Association of Chronic Disease Directors (NACDD) highlights that around 20 percent of adults aged 55 and older experience mental health issues. According to the brief, depression is the most common mental health issue among older adults.¹

Older adults may also encounter additional challenges such as feeling socially isolated and dealing with transportation or financial problems when trying to access mental health services.

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), designated as one of 23 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in Massachusetts, strives to improve access to mental health services for older adults. OCES has an Elder Mental Health Outreach Team (EMHOT) led by licensed clinical social workers.

OCES staff provides support to older adults and individuals with disabilities. OCES also provides assistance to those who are facing challenging behavioral health conditions, chronic illness, substance misuse, or crisis situations and who may benefit from counseling or long-term case management to enhance their overall well-being.

In addition to the EMHOT, OCES’ staff includes many other licensed social workers who provide guidance and resources on a wide range of topics including physical health issues, housing issues, financial hardships, and other challenges that older adults may face.

Join OCES in celebrating Social Work Month and all social workers who help improve the lives of individuals and families!

Source:

¹Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and National Association of Chronic Disease Directors. The State of Mental Health and Aging in America Issue Brief 1: What Do the Data Tell Us? Atlanta, GA: National Association of Chronic Disease Directors; 2008.