Spring 2020 • April 15, 2020

ContentExecutive Director’s Message ....................... Page 2

Editor’s Message ........................................ Page 3

National Social Work Month ....................... Page 4

Member Spotlight ....................................... Page 5

Service Award Winners .............................. Page 6

COVID-19 Paper Summary ......................... Page 7

SC Coronavirus: Important Links .................. Page 8

NASW Communication Links ....................... Page 9

NASW Elections ...................................... Page 10

Legislative Day Event ................................ Page 11

NASW JOB Link ................................... Back page

Chapter Update Editorial Committee Stacee Roberts, Editor

Debra Donahue, Executive Director

Juliana Palyok, Staff

Christen Driggers, Social Work Intern

2020 Social Workers, Generations Strong Symposium has been postponed due to the COVID-19 Pandemic

Social Workers, Generations Strong will continue to be our theme for this year’s Symposium. Due to COVID-19, the Symposium is being postponed until the Fall. Efforts are underway to reschedule the Symposium as soon as possible.

Social workers are embarking on a new decade with a new “normal” because of the Coronavirus; social distancing changes limiting group sizes to 3 or less in public places and stay at-home-orders. How will these impact climate change, health disparities, human trafficking, voting rights, women’s rights, prison reform, substance abuse and numerous other social issues as we rethink how we address crises and provide services to vulnerable populations in the US. How do we begin to tackle these challenges while managing in a pandemic? I believe we must acknowledge that

the US is vulnerable and was unprepared to execute on the decision made by the World Health Organization to declare a pandemic.

In the past social work practice focused on marginalized populations. But today, and going forward, our practice models and decisions will be made for the well-being of all people regardless of their ethnicity, race, sexual orientation, social economic status or any other classifications that will continue to divide the people in this country.

Let’s be the first state in the US to retool our efforts by intentionally operating with PURPOSE.

Preparation of plans and policy changes must garner positive outcomes for all South Carolinians.

Unwavering commitment to address cultural norms that are beneficial to all, both in urban and rural communities.

Rely on multiple generations of social workers to challenge the status quo and advocate for legislation that meets the needs of its intended populations.

Practice social work models that are evidence based and outcome oriented.

Organize advocacy efforts that will address issues such as women’s rights, human trafficking, worker safety, public health, etc.

Systemically change practice efforts to become more inclusive of all groups.

Equity considerations should be assessed with every effort.

The new normal should be decided by us!

We are social workers generations strong who can change the world for the better.

Stay well.

With regards,

Debra DonahueNASWSC, Executive Director

2 • Spring 2020

Now is the Opportunity for New Beginnings

STACEE ROBERTS, Editor

Many of us rang in the New Year with Resolutions: to save money, to lose weight, to engage in better

self-care, etc. I have seen many posts on social media stating“New Year, new me” or “New Year, same me.” I have also seen and heard many people talk about how terrible the year 2019 was and how great 2020 will be; this all seems like déjà vu of years prior. We continuously preach to our clients, and probably friends and family too, everything that happens is perceived through the lens of our experiences. We choose what we focus on- this is one of the main reasons we encourage gratitude journals, right? To train our clients to look for the things they have to be grateful for in each day with the hopes of training their cognitions to focus on gratitude and the positives, even the smallest of them. Now, more than ever, we need to practice what we preach. How we remember this year- the pandemic, is up to us. It is our choice to look at this through a positive lens. Rather than focusing on what we are missing, let’s choose to remember the time we were given to engage in self care, appreciate the roll of toilet paper we previously took for granted. Remember the time we had to soak in the sun and view nature. Remember how resilient we were and how capable we are as individuals, a community, and a nation.

I have never been one to ascribe to New Year Resolutions as they seem temporary; goals we set and if, or when, we attain them it is done and we move on. Instead, I try to take on something positive or remove something negative from my life. Rather than one thing to resolve I focus on long term changes for overall improvement. A new year is a time for honesty with ourselves and self-reflection. We even have an extra day this year

(it’s a leap year!) to become an improved version of ourselves. I encourage you all to take this time for introspective reflection and ask yourself what you want to accomplish. Is it taking time for yourself, or setting boundaries and saying no? Is it incorporating a healthy lifestyle for overall wellness? This time next year, what will you be able to say that you accomplished? Sometimes we are all work and no play. I implore you to discover that area of your life that maybe you have been neglecting for a while. Are you constantly caught up in work and missing out on those opportunities to get out with friends and family? Are you caught up in the hustle and bustle of today’s fast paced world, never taking time to enjoy the peace and quiet nature has to offer? Now is the perfect time to see the silver lining of this pandemic. Pick one thing you would like to do differently and focus on sustaining this change.

For the longest time I allowed myself to take my work home and, shocking I know, it started to take its toll. Work was my hobby and I filled my free time with more work under the cover of “trying to get more experience.” Last year I resolved to make the sustained changes I am encouraging you all to do. I learned to ride a motorcycle and booked the trip to Iceland I’ve wanted to take for years. I wanted to start taking my time off and make life an adventure. Last year was the happiest I have been in years. This year I decided to begin volunteering and getting involved with a non-profit I believe in. I have already jumpstarted the year planning a social and recruitment event as well as a virtual 5K fundraiser for them. All of this to say, it’s never too late to make that change you’ve been waiting to and you don’t have to wait for a new year to do it. Make today your best day, month, or year and truly make a decision to live your best life so you can continue working to better the lives of those around you whom you love and work with. My hope is that you will remember 2020 as the resilient year of the Social Worker!

Spring 2020 • 3

National Social Work Month In recognition of National Social Work Month, the Pee Dee Area Social Workers gathered on March 13th, 2020 in Florence County to celebrate Social Work and Public Health Social Work Awareness.

The Pee Dee Public Health Social Workers shared information about Public Health issues that impact the region. Pee Dee Unit members who shared information were E. Tina Turner, LMSW, and Sylvia Rogers, LMSW. SC Chapter Executive Director, Debra Donahue also presented information about the membership campaign and advocacy.

Board members from the Pee Dee Unit were recognized as well as Sylvia Rogers, President-Elect for the NASW SC Chapter.

Social Workers from various agencies attended the session including representatives from the Department of Social Services, Department of Health and Environmental Control, Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Mental Health, local hospitals, home health agencies, and many other community agencies.

In a moment of remembrance, the Pee Dee Region Social Workers fondly talked about a great Social Worker, Mary Beth Harllee, who passed away in 2019.

The Social Workers enjoyed the networking opportunity, door prizes, delicious snacks, and most of all the subject matter knowledge and resource information acquired.

A special door prize from the Pee Dee Unit Representatives was raffled.

The meeting ended with a group photo to remember and honor social Worker.

Submitted by Sylvia J. Rogers, BSW, LMSW, President-Elect, NASWSC, 2021

4 • Spring 2020

Hello! My name is Christen Driggers. I am in my foundation year for my MSW at the University of South Carolina – Columbia. This spring semester I am interning at the SC Chapter of the NASW. I’m originally from Chesterfield, SC where I lived until I graduated high school. I attended Lander University. During my first year at Land-er, I decided to major in psychology because of the diverse career paths. My senior year, I decided to pursue a Master’s in Social Work. My concentration at USC is in child, youth, and families because of my interest in child welfare, specifically, foster care and adoptions. I am incredibly excited to venture into my internship at NASW SC to gain more knowledge and skills in advocacy.

Member Spotlight

Spring 2020 • 5

Congratulations!!!!!2020 Service Award WinnersBSW of the Year Winner: Jaquisha Eaves

Educator of the Year Winner: Henry Hiott

Public Citizen of the Year Winner: Jared Evans

Social Worker of the Year Winner: Lauren Wilkie

MSW of the Year: Elouise Cram

Legislator of the Year Winner: Representative Reverend Terry Alexander

6 • Spring 2020

COVID-19 and the CARES ActSource: Center on Budget and Policy Priorities

Paper: CARES Act Includes Essential Measures to Respond to Public Health, Economic Crises, But More Will Be Needed

On March 27, 2020 an article posted on the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities began to address the benefits and shortcomings regarding the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

The article states that the CARES Act is a step in the right direction by the United States government. This Act addresses the immediate needs of American families who have been economically impacted by the unintended consequences of COVID-19.

The CARES Act attempts to mitigate what the article calls a “sharp economic decline”. Although a good attempt, the Act neglects to fully address other critical needs like ongoing food assistance, homelessness, extended health care cost beyond the temporary relief offered to the states.

Here are some of the benefits of the Act:

• Unemployment services are being expanded to allow jobless workers additional benefits because the pandemic resulted in a sharp increase in claims filed. The Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) provided funds to ineligible workers who don’t qualify for the state’s regular Unemployment Insurance (UI). Benefits are $600 per week through July 31, 2020. UI benefits can be issued up to thirteen weeks. In addition, short-time compensation will be supported in lieu of layoffs.

• Inclusion of recover rebates to low- and middle-income families of $1200 for most adults and $500 for children under 17 years old.

• $150 billion for states under the Coronavirus Relief Fund which is designated to help states and local governments with populations of over 500,000. In addition, $30 billion for elementary and secondary schools and colleges and universities, $25 million for mass transit systems, $5 billion for community development block grants, $3.5 million for childcare and $400 million for elections and other services.

• Increase in funding to homeless and other related services of $7 billion and $450 million for special housing needs.

Here are some of the shortcomings:

• The Act fails to effectively address the critical care needs of the population and resources for hospitals and medical providers.

• The expansion options need to increase the federal share of the Medicaid costs for states that participate until the economy rebounds. This increase will reduce the amount states may have to cut from other essential programs.

• Lack of increase in SNAP funding to support families for an extended period. An estimate of under $100 would help families and add to the economy.

• Failure to recognize the need for flexible Emergency Assistance Grants to states, territories and tribes to address residual effects of a continuing downturn in the economy.

The pandemic has taught us we are not as prepared as we thought and our efforts need to focus on reinvesting in America’s infrastructure. In a global economy there are always winners and losers. Hopefully, the US Government’s next best efforts will address more than today’s crisis.

Please click here to read the full article.

https://www.cbpp.org/research/economy/cares-act-includes-essential-measures-to-respond-to-public-health-economic-crises

Summary by: Debra Donahue

Spring 2020 • 7

Coronavirus: Important Links for Social Workers and Social Care Providers in South Carolina

South Carolina Healthy Connections: Medicaid Links

Click to learn more about:

Latest guidance & updates on Coronavirus Disease Preparedness. What is the State of South Carolina doing to sup-port the community, families and businesses during this pandemic? State current with new guidance posted daily.Read more https://www.scdhhs.gov/

COVID-19- South Carolina’s Response to managing service delivery and provisions while systemically deciding on how the state will handle Coronavirus the measures needed to keep the communities safe.Read more https://msp.scdhhs.gov/covid19/

Information for All Providers- Bulletins and Information for All Medicaid ProvidersRead more https://www.scdhhs.gov/taxonomy/term/2

South Carolina Department of InsuranceLatest important information on Consumer Health InsuranceRead more https://www.doi.sc.gov/948/COVID-19

WTOC Article: Advocating for Expansion of SC MedicaidRead more https://www.wtoc.com/2020/04/01/mental-health-counselors-urge-governor-expand-sc-medicaid-cover-age/

Journal of Accountancy “SBA Issues Details for Paycheck Protection Plan Loans” by Jeff DrewThe latest provision discussed under the CARES ActRead more https://www.journalofaccountancy.com/news/2020/apr/paycheck-protection-program-ppp-loans-sba-de-tails-coronavirus.html

South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing & Regulation Board-Stay abreast of the changes occurring at the licens-ing board, particularly regarding 1135 Waivers and provisions from the Take Responsibility for Workers and Family Act, introduced in the House. https://llr.sc.gov/

8 • Spring 2020

National Association of Social Workers Communication Links

#NASW is among 80 groups demanding health insurance companies make all #coronavirus tests and treatments completely free to patients via @newsweek https://buff.ly/2UIvFtz More https://buff.ly/2V1Jbaj #COVID19 #COVID19Pandemic Here’s our letter to insurers https://buff.ly/2UXRGU2

LinkedIn, Instagram $2 Trillion Coronavirus Relief Package Will Support Social Workers, Clients They Serve #NASW commends Congress & The White House for passing into law the $2.2 trillion economic relief package that will provide aid to individuals, families and communities. “Our nation is experiencing unprecedented levels of psychological and economic devastation as a result of this public health crisis” said NASW CEO Angelo McClain, PhD, LICSW. “We applaud lawmakers and the Trump Administration for working quickly in a bipartisan way to bring relief to working class and middle-class Americans, many of whom are struggling to afford housing, food and health care during this pandemic.” https://buff.ly/2X5RkNB @SocialWorkHelper

All Social Channels#NASW’s #COVID19 resource page has current authoritative information about macro level changes. socialworkers.org/covid19 Our members are also helping each other in MyNASW, answering questions & sharing tips, resources and experiences.#membersonly socialworkers.org/MY-NASW

Two National WebinarsFacebook, LinkedIn, InstagramWebinar: Uniting for Mental Health in 2020 – Advocacy and Voter Registration Training 4/23/2020. 3-4 PM ET | FREE for Everyone Millions of Americans live w/ mental illness & addiction. Deaths from suicide & overdose are at an all-time high. Join Mental Health for US & #nasw on the importance of advocacy and learn how to help your friends, clients, and communities register to vote Presenters: Caren Howard, Advocacy Manager, Mental Health America Melvin Wilson MBA, LCSW, Senior Policy Consultant, Social Justice and Human Rights, NASW https://buff.ly/39C81mz

TwitterUniting for Mental Health in 2020 – Advocacy &Voter Registration Training 4/23/2020. 3-4 PM ET | FREE Millions live w/ mental illness & addic-tion. Deaths from suicide & overdose are at an all-time high Join Mental Health for US & @nasw on how you can help https://buff.ly/39C81mz Facebook, LinkedIn, InstagramWebinar: The Importance of Cultural Competence and Evidence-Based Practice Approaches for #Social Workers There have been debates about the relevance of cultural competence in the grand scheme of evidence-based social work practice. Some argue that cultural humility is better construct and concept to adopt and promote in our efforts to honor the spirit of diversity awareness and inclusion. Join us in this discussion that addresses the concerns and potential risk of abandoning cultural competence as a standard of practice and as an achievable outcome for social work practitioners. Learn more and register. 4/30/2020 1-2 PM ET Presenter: Karen Bullock, PhD, LCSW 1CE FREE for SPS Members | NASW Members: $20 | Non-Members: $30 https://buff.ly/39CvG6t

Facebook, LinkedIn, InstagramApril is #AlcoholAwarenessMonthAlcohol screening and brief intervention #SBI has been proven to work: It can reduce how much alcohol a person drinks on an occasion by 25 percent, and public health experts recommend it for all adults, including pregnant women. https://buff.ly/2w4ibie #RiskyDrinking #FASD #NASW

TwitterApril is #AlcoholAwarenessMonth Alcohol screening & brief intervention #SBI works. It can reduce how much alcohol someone drinks on an occasion by 25% & public health experts recommend it for all adults, including pregnant women https://buff.ly/3dIJwHO #RiskyDrinking #FASD #NASW

Watch: Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP) Tele-Town Hall Meeting on April 1, 2020 on the CARES Act and Coronavirus/COVID-19.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XdBS5k2kDNs&feature=youtu.be

Spring 2020 • 9

SC NASW Board of ElectionsNomination Categories:

Vice President of Finance

Secretary

Unit Representatives (Catawba, Pee Dee, Central, Southern, Western & Central)

CNLI Chair (Chapter Nomination & Leadership Identification)

BSW & MSW Student Representatives

Go HERE for the Nomination Form. Go HERE for Nomination Flyer.

Thank you!

10 • Spring 2020

Legislative Day EventFebruary 26, 2020

Legislative and advocacy day was a success!

All the universities and colleges in South Carolina participated in the planning of this event.

State Representative Reverend Terry Alexander opened the event. He spoke about the importance of social work students advocating for bills that support services for their clients and themselves as well.

Followed by his introduction there were two panel presentations. Dr. Aubrey Sejuit, Limestone College, led a panel discussion about Mental Health and Dr. Glover Hopson, Benedict College led a panel discussion on Human Trafficking. Jim Manning, Councilman, Richland County District 8 participated on the Human Trafficking panel. The students participated and were attentive and engaged. Students from Limestone College, Columbia College and Benedict College contributed poster presentations.

State Representative Wendy C. Brawley shared information later that morning about the legislative process and the bills she is championing in South Carolina. She also encouraged social work students to keep up with proposed bills, participate in advocacy and reach out to their respective General Assembly members.

During the afternoon students had the opportunity to attend subcommittee meetings and take a tour of the State House.

Spring 2020 • 11

The PACE online fundraising tool has been officially

launched! It can be found at :

http://socialworkers.org/Advocacy/PACE

There‛s also a link to it from www. socialworkers. org. Please remember that all online contributions will be shared with the chapters, just like contributions we receive through membership renewals. So, it‛s in our interest to promote the new online fundraising capability.

NASW SC encourages everyone to contribute noteworthy information for Chapter Update. All material should be typed and emailed to the Chapter Office. Chapter Update is published by the National Association of Social Workers South Carolina Chapter.

For information about advertising in the newsletter or renting membership labels, contact the chapter office at (803) 256-8406. NASW reserves the right to accept, reject or edit advertisements and notices of events based on publication schedule, space limitations and appropriateness. The views expressed in Chapter Update do not necessarily represent positions of NASW. Because of the commitment of NASW to nondiscriminatory personnel practices, advertisers in NASW publications, by action of the NASW Board of Directors, must affirm that they are equal opportunity employers. For violations of professional ethics or personnel practices, a person may file a complaint with the NASW SC Chapter Committee on Inquiry. For information, write the Chapter Office at 2537 Gervais Street, Columbia SC 29204 or call 803-256-8406. For information regarding: Social work licensure, call or write the Board of Social Work Examiners, POBox 11329, Columbia, SC 29211-1329, 803-896-4665, www.llr.state.sc.us