Special to Wesson News
The Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) spotlighting one of its social workers during each week of March in helping lead the state’s celebration of Social Work Month.
MSDH says social workers play an integral role in its mission.
“We serve as bridges connecting people with resources, advocating for their needs and promoting healthier communities through compassion and action,” says Angela Carpenter, Licensed Social Worker (LSW) and Long Term Care Director for Health Facilities Licensure and Certification.
“All social work is public health social work,” add Krista Guynes, Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Director, 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.”
MSDH points to ways social workers 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, writing grants and annual reports, partnering with external groups to develop programs, and focusing on continuous quality improvement to ensure use of evidence-based interventions.
“Public health social work goes beyond the desk,” affirms Heather Brown, LSW, 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.”
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