Tips and Tools for Social Workers

Cannabis use increases the risk for heart attack and stroke, including among young people with no prior history of cardiovascular issues, according to a new study. Researchers analyzed data on 200 million people aged 19 to 59 and found that cannabis users had a 29% higher risk of heart attack and 30% higher risk of stroke compared to nonusers. Cannabis users were also twice as likely to die from cardiovascular disease.

Effective September 30, 2025, several telehealth flexibilities that were put into place during the COVID-19 pandemic expired and now require congressional actions to be renewed. As of today, lawmakers have not addressed the expirations. Clinical social workers should be aware of two expirations that may impact the way they practice:the geographic waiver and in-person requirement.

The budget reconciliation act passed by Congressional Republicans on July 3 and signed into law by President Trump on July 4 (infamously known as the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act”) will harm all of us as we age. This publication provides a brief overview of the federal budgeting process and outlines how the law decreases older adults’ access to Medicaid, the Health Insurance Marketplace, Medicare, long-term services and supports (LTSS), and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)—disproportionately affecting older immigrants and refugees—while weakening Social Security and other public programs.

June is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Awareness Month, and the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) encourages everyone to recognize the vital role social workers play in supporting those affected by PTSD.

Activities in observance of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day are occurring throughout the month of June. Each of us can do at least one thing to enhance awareness—whether in ourselves, our colleagues, our clients, or others in our lives—of elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation. Find ideas and free resources to achieve this goal, even in five minutes or less, in this edition of Tips and Tools for Social Workers.

Medicaid is an insurance plan that provided access to care to 78 million people to include those with limited income, children and families, pregnant women, people with disabilities and people in long term care facilities. Medicaid has not only provided access to medical care, but it has also played a significant role in access to substance use treatment. In March 2025, Congress recommended reducing the budget to $880 billion over the next 10 years which would impact the role Medicaid plays in providing critical services to individuals with mental health and substance use conditions. This behavioral health practice tool highlights the importance of Medicaid assistance for those who are dealing with substance use disorders and why cutting Medicaid would further harm the communities in which we serve as social workers.