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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2023 - 2024
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | April 29, 2024 11:02 AM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Kristine C. Howard |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Relieving Social Worker Shortages |
| One of the greatest issues facing Pennsylvania is the lack of access to mental health treatment. I have previously endeavored to address this shortage by giving support to the underappreciated behavioral health specialty of social work though HB 1349, which I introduced earlier this session. Social workers aid in the treatment and prevention of mental illness, and these licensed professionals are instrumental in assessing, diagnosing, and treating psychosocial disabilities and impairments, which often include mental and emotional disorders, developmental disabilities, and addiction. They help individuals address the psychological, emotional, social, or behavioral challenges involved in their day-to-day lives, and offer services and support to those in need. Unfortunately, obstacles such as budget cuts, low wages, and high caseloads often lead to burnout among social workers, making it difficult to prepare a sufficient workforce to meet the growing demand. In fact, a 2015 study concluded that the continued growth of social worker supply would be unable to keep pace with anticipated demand by 2030, with Pennsylvania projected to have a shortage of 5,000 social workers by that time. Given the importance of social work, a staff shortage will have an immense impact, as ever-more people will end up waiting indefinitely as their untreated issues fester. The Social Worker Educational Enrollment and Training (SWEET) Program will provide stipends to graduate students completing internships as a requisite of an accredited Master’s of Social Work program, allowing more students to purse this important work. After working with key stakeholders and field experts, I have drafted a revised bill to better suit the needs of these hardworking professionals and the vulnerable populations they care for. Please join me in co-sponsoring this important legislation to ensure no one goes without the help they need. |
Introduced as HB2272