|
           |
|
|
|
|
|
Michigan Chapter Newsletter, Fall 2009 - President's Message from Dave Neal It does not seem possible that my terms as president will be ending in December and this will be my last message to you. These two years have flown by. They have been challenging with many rewards and many frustrations. I believe that social work has so much to offer to the delivery of health care services. Individuals do this daily in providing clinical care and administration in their hospitals or other settings. It requires an organized structure to participate in the larger health care debate, in establishing health care policies, and in establishing best practices. The Society and the Michigan Chapter have so much potential in contributing in these ways and in providing assistance for individual members. I want to thank each and every one of you for being a member and supporting the work of the Michigan Chapter the past two years. We have accomplished a lot in the past two years. The major issue has been the challenge of affiliation with the National Society. A commitment has been made and we are now working on the mechanics of making this happen. You will be learning soon about how you can become a national member in January at no cost to you. Affiliation will continue to be a challenge. The strengths of the two organizations must now be integrated to better serve members. We have established a working relationship with the Michigan Chapter of NASW. We were able to develop a Health Care Policy Statement on health care reform with NASW which has been sent to our US Senators and Representatives. Its guiding principles have been used in other health care reform discussions. There are other joint committees and on going discussions on how we can partner together to better utilize our resources and represent Social Work. The Chapter has become a member of the organization supporting parity in Michigan. Speaker Dillon has committed to a vote this fall once the budget is resolved. The Chapter has also taken positions on other issues in the state. The Chapter has developed a new web site. This is enhancing communication and getting information about the chapter out to members and the public. There is lots of work to be done to better utilize it as a communication tool. A major frustration is the failure to have a fall conference this year. The Board appreciates that our annual conference is important for members. I have spoken with Kathy Wade and she has assured me that it will be a priority to have a conference in the winter. The conference experience is a good example of the challenge facing the Board. Working in a health care setting is very demanding these days and members are not getting strong support from their employers to conduct Chapter business and attend meetings. Projects seem to take longer than anticipated and some do not get accomplished. A major positive for me has been the opportunity to meet several new persons and to work with them on the Board. I want to thank all of the folks who have served on the Board or in other ways during the past two years. It has been fun working with everyone and I appreciate the contributions everyone has made. I will remain on the Board as Past President and look forward to working with Kathy Wade as the new president. Sincerely, Dave Neal President, SSWLHC - Michigan |