The government has proclaimed March 15-21 as Social Work Week in Saskatchewan.
"I want to recognize and thank social workers across the province for their work in supporting some of our most vulnerable citizens," Social Services Minister Donna Harpauer said. "Across the province, social workers contribute to making Saskatchewan the best place to live, work and raise a family through their work in public and private practice, in our health and education systems, through community-based organizations or filling policy, planning and administration roles."
Social Work Week was established by the Canadian Association of Social Workers in March 1990 to recognize the contribution of social workers across the country. Each year, a different theme is selected to serve as a focus for activities within the profession and promotion of the role of social work with the public.
This year's theme is, "Social Work: Profession of Choice."
Our local Sun Country Health Region covers the southeast corner of the province from Coronach to the Manitoba border and from just north of Kipling-Glenavon area down to the US border.
SCHR has social workers that work in both the Weyburn and Estevan hospitals, in Mental Health and in Primary Care. The Mental Health division provides services to a wide range of ages including children, teens, adults and families of children with autism. The SCHR social workers provide individual, family and group counselling in clinics throughout the region.
Marlene Salmers of the SCHR is a social worker based out of Estevan and says "Social Workers are often depicted in the movies and on TV as apprehending children or helping with financial problems. Those are certainly valuable parts of our profession but it is that and so much more." Social Workers in the Sun Country Health Region can be found in hospitals, intake departments, mental health clinics, health promotions and the list goes on. It is privileged work. Clients allow us to walk with them and work with them and support them during their darkest days.
The Saskatchewan Association of Social Workers was established in October 1962, as the regulatory and professional organization for social workers in Saskatchewan, and grew from an active membership of 83 to more than 1,500 members.
For more information on Social Work Week in Saskatchewan, please visit the Saskatchewan Association of Social Workers' website at www.sasw.ca.
