Jackson — March is Social Work Month, and the Mississippi State Department of Health is recognizing social workers who work in service to others at both the main MSDH office and county health departments throughout the state. Social workers have undergone formal education, training and licensure to assure they practice ethically and according to professional standards to protect the public and provide the highest level of care.

 

“All social work is public health social work,” said Krista Guynes, licensed clinical social worker and director for the Office of Women’s Health. “Public health social work is about taking care of people, families and communities, especially those most vulnerable and who face disparities. Wherever there is an opportunity for improvement in the human condition, a social worker should be at the table.”

 

Social workers play an integral role in the health department’s mission, which aligns with this month’s theme: “Social Work: Compassion + Action.”

 

“We serve as bridges connecting people with resources, advocating for their needs and promoting healthier communities through compassion and action,” said Angela Carpenter, licensed social worker and long term care director for Health Facilities Licensure and Certification.

 

Social workers also help clients navigate individual programs, such as genetics and lead poisoning prevention, and serve in care coordinator/case management roles in programs including children and youth with special health care needs, where they help identify housing, food and transportation, and ensure children receive resources they need to thrive. They also manage high-level strategic development teams, write grants and annual reports, partner with external groups to develop programs, and focus on continuous quality improvement to ensure use of evidence-based interventions.

 

“Public health social work goes beyond the desk,” said Heather Brown, licensed social worker and social services team lead. “We are on a mission to prevent and intervene in health and social disparities that affect our communities. Community building and relationships are vital in addressing those disparities.”