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The Neverending Quest
for Happiness
The Los Angeles Times reports on myriad ways people pursue greater well-being, especially at the start of a new year, and the professionals who to try to help put them on that path.
Mental Health Coverage Progressing,
but Gaps Remain
According to The New York Times, mental health coverage is expanding in some ways but only goes so far when too few practitioners accept it.
Study Shows Kind Behaviors in Children Increase Popularity
The Huffington Post reports on a study showing that kindness and prosocial behaviors in children enhanced popularity, which could potentially help reduce bullying and teasing.
The Lethal Mix of Masculinity, Guns, and Mental Illness
CNN reports on a sociologist who contends that a culture of violence linked to masculinity fuels the all-too-familiar scenario of young men with mental illness targeting groups of strangers for revenge. |
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Online Tool Creates Catch-Up Immunization Schedules
A new online tool takes the guesswork out of developing individualized catch-up immunization schedules by allowing parents and healthcare providers to easily create a schedule that ensures missed vaccines and future vaccines are administered according to approved guidelines. Learn more »
Calorie Tracking Apps May Help Boost Weight Loss
A new study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine concludes that a mobile app can help boost weight loss if it’s used as part of a more comprehensive strategy. Learn more » |
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Trauma. Sadly, it is a growing presence in our collective consciousness. From daily urban gunfire to suburban child abuse to drunk driving fatalities, from 9/11 to Virginia Tech to Aurora, CO, and now Newtown, CT, violence on an interpersonal level and a large scale is woven into our daily lives.
Most of these tragedies have at least one thing in common: They involve first responders in law enforcement, emergency services, or trauma centers. These professionals are all part of a valuable team effort. Social workers are vital players on these teams who help save lives and comfort the loved ones of those whose lives are lost or seriously injured.
In this month’s E-News Exclusive, read about social workers in trauma settings, what they do, and how they work with individuals and families to move through traumatic events that most people believe could never happen to them.
We wish you peace in the new year.
We also welcome your comments at SWTeditor@gvpub.com. Visit our website at www.SocialWorkToday.com, join our Facebook page, and follow us on Twitter.
— Marianne Mallon, editor |
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Social Workers in Trauma Settings — Team Players
By Maura Keller
When traumatic events unfold, such as the recent school shooting in Newtown, CT, first responders—police officers, firefighters, and medical professionals—play a key role in helping those affected. At trauma centers that receive and treat victims and survivors, social workers also are part of the team providing individuals and families with ongoing support for myriad issues.
A Key Role
According to Sheri Richardt, LCSW, behavioral health manager for CL/crisis/aftercare at Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center in Chicago, there are several different roles social workers play in medical trauma centers.
In the emergency department (ED) at Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center, the social workers are identified as crisis workers. The crisis worker is present with the trauma/ED team when the patient arrives, gathering information about the scene from the paramedics, police, or patient, if possible.
“The social worker suits up in gloves and X-ray armor just like the rest of the team and jumps into the trauma bay,” Richardt says. “If the patient is able to speak and give an emergency contact, the social worker gathers this information. If the patient is unable to speak, the social worker becomes a detective, utilizing cell phones, receipts, business cards, tattoos—whatever is available—to help identify the patient and locate the appropriate next of kin. It’s very important to have family or next of kin available if the trauma patient is critical or expires in the ED.”
Full Story » |
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Sibling Sexual Abuse — Uncovering the Secret
Sibling incest is often unrecognized by families, professionals, and even victims. Read more »
School-Based Adolescent Mental Health Programs
Supplementary teams of community mental health professionals can assist schools with early identification and treatment of adolescent mental health conditions. Read more »
Rescue Line — Connecting With Clients Lost in a Storm
A social worker discusses the difficulties involved with helping clients seemingly lost to dementia and related diseases. Read more » |
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