BUCKHANNON, W.Va. — WVU MedicineSt. Joseph’s Hospital celebrates this year’s Social Work Month in March with the theme “The Time is Right for Social Work” to highlight how social workers have enriched our society for more than a century and how their services continue be needed today.

It is a time to inform the public, policymakers, and legislators about the services social workers provide in a wide array of sectors, including hospitals.  Social workers have a strong desire to help others and make our society a better place to live for all. It is one of the fastest growing professions in the United States, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). There are almost 720,000 professional social workers in our nation, but that number is expected to rise to more than 800,000 by 2030, BLS said.

They have helped drive significant, positive changes in our nation.

Social workers touch millions of lives each day and it is likely a social worker at some time will assist you, a family member, or a friend. They continue to work on the frontlines throughout the pandemic helping patients get the health care they need and helping family members overcome grief and loss.  For more information, visit the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) website at www.socialworkers.org.