NC public health social workers gather for leadership forum

On March 19 and 20, 2010, in Burlington, NC, approximately 25 public health social workers, academic partners and sponsors from across the state came together to develop a response to extensive funding cuts to public health social work services and other programs over the past several years. As a first step, they decided to create an opportunity for current and future leaders to convene and strategize ways to build capacity for change.

Participants examined the current scope of public health social work practice in North Carolina and how it may transform communities and improve health in the future. They developed personal and collective leadership skills through facilitated discussions and working sessions with colleagues. The group also identified ways to advance the profession of public health social work and increase the visibility of the role public health social workers play in addressing critical challenges facing the state and nation.

As an initial step, participants plan to identify roles for public health social workers in each of the recommendations from the NC Institute of Medicine’s Prevention Action Plan. Three priority areas for action will be selected for further development and implementation. In addition, they will continue to develop their leadership and advocacy roles through networking, mentoring, and individual coaching.