As the nation and world grapple with the fear, anxiety, and reality of containing the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19), social workers have been busy preparing our families, clients, workplaces, and communities for new routines. Social Workers are essential to the nation’s COVID-19 response and NASW and the NASW Foundation are committed to supporting our members and the social work profession as we work to reduce the impact and spread of the virus.
PRACTICE
NASW is identifying implications for social workers in aging, schools, mental health, and health care settings, and providing guidance via web, email, webinars, and digital publications. We are developing special programming to help you address specific ethics and legal, practice management, and other issues related to COVID-19. Please continue to check NASW national's Coronavirus (COVID-19) page, website, and social media for updates.
ADVOCACY
NASW is taking action at the federal, state, and local levels to promote sound COVID-19 policy responses. This includes advocating for insurance reimbursement for clinical social workers to provide in-home teletherapy (under Medicare as well as commercial plans), working to enable social workers to use virtual learning to satisfy CEU requirements, and providing economic relief and supports for vulnerable populations and others. NASW also is encouraging member engagement in advocacy around these policies, through action alerts.
CHAPTERS
Based on each jurisdiction’s emergency protocols, our Chapters are postponing and canceling events. They are providing creative alternatives whenever possible. Chapter leaders have worked tirelessly this month to bring you critical local information about the impact of the coronavirus, and to make themselves available to hear your ideas and concerns. Many are actively lobbying to promote access to telehealth and adequate reimbursement for teletherapy. Their leadership is invaluable to our Association’s crisis response. See your NASW Chapter’s emails, websites, and social media sites for the latest news.
OPERATIONS
Most NASW staff are operating remotely for the next several weeks in support of the CDC’s “social distancing” guidance. Many NASW programs and activities are web-based, so we will continue to support you by conducting business digitally and by telephone. As always, NASW’s weekly MemberLink email will feature new resources and guidance. Our responsive Member Services team is available Monday-Friday 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. ET via phone and email: 1.800.742.4089 or membership@socialworkers.org.
NETWORK
NASW members also are sharing their perspectives and useful tools in the MyNASW Online Community. You should be receiving MyNASW daily digest notices. You can log in anytime to MyNASW to see full threads of discussions and to start your own.
NASW FOUNDATION
Within the bounds of safety that this pandemic requires, the NASW Foundation continues to carry out its programs—ranging from the NASW Social Work Pioneers® to scholarships, fellowships, and awards— and to serve the social work profession, the practitioner and the public. We deeply value our supporters, friends, and NASW members, and we are working to respond to all of your inquires as quickly as we can.
We wish you and your loved ones safety and good health in the coming months. We all belong to an extraordinary profession—one that excels in situations such as this. Thank you for all that you do every day for your clients, and for our nation.