DESIGNATING THE MONTH OF MARCH 2025
AS SOCIAL WORKER APPRECIATION MONTH
WHEREAS, people have entered the social work profession for generations because they genuinely care about helping improve the welfare of people, families, communities and our nation; and
WHEREAS, this year’s Social Work Month theme, “Social Work: Compassion + Action,” embodies the fact that social workers go through years of education and training, so they have the skills and expertise to transform their care for others into action that brings positive results; and
WHEREAS, the Social Work Profession has worked for generations to improve living conditions in our nation, with Social Workers successfully pushing for Social Security, a 40-hour work week, Medicare, and a minimum wage; and
WHEREAS, Social Workers have helped this nation live up to its values by successfully advocating for equal rights for all people, no matter their race, sexual identity, gender, gender expression, culture or religion; and
WHEREAS, Social Workers follow a Code of Ethics, which sets as the primary mission of the Social Work profession the enhancement of human well-being and meeting the basic human needs of all people, with particular attention to the needs and empowerment of those who are vulnerable, oppressed, and living in poverty; and
WHEREAS, the Social Work Profession is one of the fastest growing professions in the United States, with more than 800,000 people expected to be employed as Social Workers by 2033; and
WHEREAS, Social Workers work in all parts of our society - including schools, social service agencies, veteran centers, and government - helping people, family and communities secure services and policies they need to thrive; and
WHEREAS, Social Workers are at the forefront of pressing issues our nation is addressing, including increased needs for mental health care, especially for children and adolescents; and substance use disorder treatment; and increased economic and political division; and
WHEREAS, Social Workers are one of the largest groups of mental health care providers in the United States and are pressing for a Social Work Interstate Licensing Compact that will improve mental health care delivery in our nation; and
WHEREAS, Social Workers help protect millions of children from abuse and neglect, provide services and support, which helps strengthen families that are under stress, and help create new families through adoption; and
WHEREAS, research proves the presence of Social Workers in schools, hospitals, and assisted living facilities improve education and health outcomes and quality of life for students, patients and residents; and
WHEREAS, Social Workers continue to stand ready to assist our nation in overcoming present and future challenges, including ending gun violence, improving health care and mental health care for all and urging lawmakers to adopt immigration reforms.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED in recognition of the numerous contributions made by Lake County’s Social Workers, that the Lake County Board of Supervisors hereby declares the month of March 2025 as Social Worker Appreciation Month in Lake County and calls upon all citizens to join in the celebration and support of the Social Work Profession.
PASSED AND ADOPTED this 4TH day of March 2025.