III 118th CONGRESS 2d Session S. RES. 592 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES March 19, 2024 Ms. Stabenow (for herself and Ms. Sinema ) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions RESOLUTION Supporting the goals and ideals of Social Work Month and World Social Work Day on March 19, 2024.

Whereas the 700,000 social workers of the United States are an essential workforce that promotes the health and well-being of the people of the United States in communities across the country every day; Whereas social workers are leaders in addressing the influence of social determinants of health, such as housing, employment, education, and transportation, on individual and communal health and well-being; Whereas social workers— (1) pursue social justice as part of their code of ethics and have been a leading voice in social change movements for over a century; (2) combat racism and discrimination in all its forms, including xenophobia, homophobia, transphobia, gender discrimination, religious intolerance, and discrimination against individuals with mental illness; and (3) promote voting rights, a livable wage, workplace safety, social safety net programs that help alleviate poverty, hunger, and homelessness, and the rights of individuals with disabilities; Whereas social workers support individuals and communities in a wide range of settings, including hospitals, health and behavioral health care facilities, nursing homes, community centers, Veterans Affairs clinics, schools, child welfare agencies, law enforcement agencies, disaster relief agencies, correctional institutions, and private practice settings; Whereas social workers work in all levels of government to advance the promise of the United States and the health and well-being of the people of the United States; Whereas social workers are one of the largest providers of mental health, behavioral health, and social care services in the United States, working daily to help thousands of people in the United States overcome mental illnesses, such as depression and anxiety, and meet basic needs; Whereas social workers are on the frontlines of the addiction crisis in the United States, helping individuals get the treatment they need and prevail over substance use disorders; Whereas social workers play a vital role in helping United States veterans and their families access benefits, secure housing, and cope with stress and post-traumatic stress disorder; Whereas social workers play a vital role in promoting the health, well-being, and dignity of older adults and their ability to live safely and securely in their own homes and communities; Whereas social workers play a vital role in supporting the millions of family caregivers across the country who are caring for loved ones in need of assistance; Whereas social workers are a vital source of assistance, comfort, and support for individuals and families coping with illness, death, and grief; Whereas social workers play a vital role in helping individuals, families, and communities rebuild their lives and neighborhoods after climate-related natural disasters such as fires, floods, and hurricanes; Whereas social workers play a vital role in promoting infant and maternal health and keeping children and families safe from interpersonal violence; Whereas social workers support students and collaborate with parents, teachers, school boards, and community agencies to promote student success in schools across the country; Whereas social workers are a critical source of information, services, and support in the rural communities of the United States; Whereas social workers served on the frontlines of the COVID–19 Public Health Emergency, delivering behavioral health services and helping individuals, families, and communities cope with the devastating loss of life, jobs, and safety during the pandemic; Whereas the 2024 Social Work Month theme, Empowering Social Workers: Inspiring Action, Leading Change embodies how social workers are invaluable to the ever-changing dynamics of our country; Whereas social workers enter the profession because they have a strong desire to help empower individuals, families, communities, and the United States to overcome issues that prevent them from reaching their full potential; Whereas social workers are essential to community well-being, and, as practitioners, social workers are trained to help individuals address personal and systemic barriers to optimal living; Whereas social workers are employed to effect positive change in individuals, families, groups, and entire communities; Whereas social workers advocate for equal rights for all; Whereas the social work profession is one of the fastest growing professions in the United States, but the profession is still not large enough to meet the demand in the face of the mental health crisis; Whereas there is a need to make a meaningful investment in recruitment and retention of the social work profession; and Whereas social workers are ethically bound to work throughout our society to meet individuals where they are and help empower individuals and our society to reach the goals they wish to attain: Now, therefore, be it

That the Senate— (1) supports the goals and ideals of Social Work Month and World Social Work Day on March 19, 2024; (2) recognizes with gratitude the contributions of the millions of social workers who have, since the dawning of the social work profession, advanced the health and well-being of individuals, families, communities, and the United States; (3) acknowledges the diligent efforts of individuals and groups who promote the importance of social work and observe Social Work Month and World Social Work Day; and (4) encourages individuals to engage in appropriate ceremonies and activities to promote further awareness of the integral role that social workers play in making a more perfect Union.