March is Social Work Recognition Month, according to House Concurrent Resolution No. 9, which is winding its way through the legislative process. It’s a good time to recognize and give a quick “thank you” to the more than 300 social workers at the Department of Health and Welfare.

DHW social workers do a variety of work in several of the department’s divisions, including Family and Community Services, Behavioral Health, Licensing and Certification, Medicaid and Welfare. They come into contact with extremely vulnerable Idahoans who are seeking help, often in difficult circumstances.

“Our social workers are doing some very difficult work that often takes an emotional toll,” said DHW Director Richard Armstrong. “They are so often the face of the department for individuals and families in crisis. We’re very appreciative of the work they do to enrich the lives of Idaho families, and I’m pleased that the resolution is helping to spread that word.”

The resolution says, in part: “NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the members of the First Regular Session of the Sixty-third Idaho Legislature, the House of Representatives and 34 the Senate concurring therein, that in recognition of the numerous contributions made by America’s 600,000 social workers and the almost 4,000 licensed social workers in Idaho, we proclaim the month of March 2015 as Social Work Recognition Month in Idaho and call upon all citizens of Idaho to join with the National Association of Social Workers in celebration and support of the social work profession and National Social Work Month.”

— Niki Forbing-Orr, PIO