Social Workers Mobilize on Mental Health Parity

For Immediate Release

Contact:

• Dr. Jackie Pray, Executive Director, Georgia Chapter, National Association of Social Workers, (770) 234-0567

• Toby WeismillerNASW National Office, (202) 336-8219

During the weekend, three national staffers from the Washington, D. C. office of the National Association of Social Workers recently joined with Georgia Chapter NASW leaders to launch a statewide telephone campaign targeting members of the Association. Over 250 social workers were called with the message to contact their member of the Georgia House of Representatives urging them to support mental health parity legislation now under consideration. The bill under consideration would assure that employers with more than 50 employees provide coverage for mental illness at the same level that is provided for physical illness.

The NASW Member Action Campaign is part of a national mobilization effort to expand the political activism of social workers in grassroots advocacy on critical issues. "Social workers are knowledgeable voters, and have a great capacity for educating legislators. Our campaigns across the nation are moving social workers into action and the response from elected officials has been overwhelming", stated Toby Weismiller, national staff member from the Washington office.

Charlene Turner, LCSW, ACSW, Georgia NASW Chapter President stated, "The benefits of mental health treatment are tremendous, both for consumers and for taxpayers. It is vital that social workers carry this message to elected officials."

The National Association of Social Workers is the largest organization of professional social workers in the world. Over 155,000 members participate in 55 chapters throughout the United States, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and the international community. The Georgia Chapter membership, 2600 strong, work in settings such as hospitals, public schools, community agencies, universities, private industry, and private practice.