Social Workers Increase Mental Health Awareness

May is Mental Health Month

WASHINGTONMental health is an important part of our everyday lives, affecting everything from work to personal relationships. Never before has this been so clear as in the aftermath of September 11. Since then, the need for mental health services has been on the rise. Thousands were directly affected by the tragedy, and twice as many will seek professional help. Social workers provide more than half of these services.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), one in five Americans suffers from a diagnosable, treatable mental disorder in a given year.

For over 50 years, May has been recognized as Mental Health Month. This month, the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) is pleased to join the National Mental Health Association (NMHA) in educating communities about the importance of mental health awareness.

Clinical social workersthe largest group of mental health practitioners in the United Statesfocus on meeting the needs of those with both major mental illnesses and those who are at risk, says Elizabeth J. Clark, PhD, ACSW, MPH, Executive Director of the National Association of Social Workers.

Social workers are oftentimes the only licensed mental health practitioners, especially in rural areas, providing mental health services, she adds.

In May, social workers nationwide will focus special attention on reaching out to individuals and families, educating them about how healthy and productive lives depend on taking care of their mental health needs.

Reporters interested in talking to an expert on mental health issues should contact NASW Public Affairs at 202-336-8228 or e-mail lcurry@naswdc.org.

The National Association of Social Workers (NASW), in Washington, DC, is the largest membership organization of professional social workers with 153,000 members. It promotes, develops and protects the practice of social work and social workers. NASW also seeks to enhance the well being of individuals, families and communities through its work and through its advocacy.