WASHINGTON, D.C. - 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.