Discussion will focus on challenges, solutions, and the legislation necessary to improve mental health services
VALHALLA, NY – The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) is pleased to announce a critical roundtable discussion focusing on the urgent needs of mental health policy and community well-being with U.S. Rep. Jamaal Bowman (NY-16) and NASW CEO Anthony Estreet, Ph.D., MBA, LCSW-C on June 11, 2024, at 6 p.m., EST, in the Gateway Davis Auditorium at Westchester Community College.
Dr. Estreet and Rep. Bowman will provide opening remarks. NASW NYS Chapter Executive Director Shakira Kennedy, Ph.D., LMSW and other NASW members will also be present. There will be a brief presentation by students from Mount Vernon High School.
Although the pandemic is now behind us, the aftereffects linger. Kaiser Permanente revealed earlier this year that in America, one in three people live in an area with a shortage of mental health service providers. And according to the most recent poll from the CNN/Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) in October 2022, 90 percent of U.S. adults believe the country is facing a mental health crisis. The same is true in New York. In addition to mental health issues, challenges for caregivers remain. As NASW reports, most of those providing mental health services are social workers.
NASW members will provide personal accounts based on their experiences and challenges related to Medicare reimbursement and mental health services. There will also be a detailed discussion on mental health policy, access to care, and the impact of social determinants of health. These are the conditions in which people are born, mature, live, work, and age, which may impact their health outcomes. Often, the distribution of money, power, and resources are other factors that may affect people within their communities.
Estreet and Bowman will also take questions from those in attendance about specific mental health policy issues. Their closing remarks will emphasize advocacy and continued collaboration.
It is our hope that the objective of this roundtable will encourage a productive conversation among social work leaders, policymakers, and community members to assist them, raise awareness, address mental health challenges, and design actionable steps to improve mental health services and policies.
There will be opportunities for the media to interview the key participants. NASW representatives will be available before and after the event.
Join us in this significant discussion to advance mental health policy and support communities in need.
Event details:
Roundtable Discussion on Addressing Mental Health
Date: June 11, 2024 - Time: 6 PM - 7:30 PM EST
Location: Gateway Davis Auditorium, Westchester Community College
75 Grasslands Road, Valhalla, NY 10595
Public Registration Link: https://buff.ly/3KqijLi
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For interviews or further details, please reach out to NASW Communications Director Gregory Wright at 301-602-8559 or gwright.nasw@socialworkers.org or NASW Senior PR Specialist Aliah Wright at awright.nasw@socialworkers.org
The National Association of Social Workers (NASW), in Washington, DC, is the largest membership organization of professional social workers. It promotes, develops, and protects the practice of social work and social workers. NASW also seeks to enhance the well-being of individuals, families, and communities through its advocacy.