Mason Social Work

Prioritising rest is essential for our mental health💙 //

If you are a social worker or know a social worker that works in DC or Virginia, we need your help!! A George Mason University colleague is collecting data to help amplify working conditions and its connection to wellbeing and burnout. All survey data will be summarized collectively across participants and your individual information will remain anonymous. We appreciate your effort for completing this survey. To access the survey please use the QR code or click the following link:
https://redcap.chhs.gmu.edu/surveys/?s=TW38P8JLRKPEKEF8

A quick reminder to thank a social worker during Social Work Month!! ✨

The National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI) will be holding their annual fundraiser event and walk at George Mason University on Saturday, September 23rd from 10am - 2pm. The Social Work Department is creating a team so PLEASE join us and let’s represent!!!

“Mental Health for All” is critical and we hope you can join us in support of this powerful mission.

As a friendly reminder dogs are welcome at NAMIWalks so please feel free to bring your fur babies! ✨

There will be food trucks, live band performances, and kids fun zone, along with many other activities!

For more information or questions, please contact walk team co-captains, Nina Kwartin at [email protected] or
Dr. Daphne King at [email protected].

We hope to see you there to join us in the fun festivities!! 😊

To join our team, here is the link! And if you can’t join but would still like to donate, please use the same link:

https://www.namiwalks.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.team&teamID=60903

Today is World Su***de Prevention Day. Currently, there is an estimated 700,000 su***des per year worldwide and we know the profound affects this has on many people. The running theme for this day since 2021 has been, “Creating Hope Through Action”, and it’s a call to action and reminder that there are alternatives to su***de and we must do our part to encourage hope and strengthen preventions (who.int). Actions, no matter how big or small, can make an impact and inspire hope in those who are struggling. We must remember to look out for each other and be kind to one another.

Spread messages of hope! Feel free to share some in the comments down below, you never know, someone might need to hear it! ✨

September is Su***de Prevention and Awareness Month.

In this month, we remember the lives lost, the ones who struggle with ideation, and acknowledge the individual, families, and communities that have been impacted (SAMHSA.org).

Show your support by (DHS.gov):
-Not being afraid to express concern for the person in crisis, this can be the first step to helping them get the help they need.
-Actively listening to a person a crisis is a way to help them feel like they’re not alone.
-Remaining present and help get them the professional help they need by connecting them to mental health professionals.
-Call or text 988. Don’t forget the recent update to the National Su***de Prevention Lifeline number, 988. They are available 24/7 to help with people in crisis or mental health related distress.
-*If someone is at immediate risk of su***de, call 911 right away.

Remember to look out for each other and stay safe everyone. Never be afraid to reach out and let’s share messages of hope! ✨

Dr. Kirsch in the news!

Pride month is celebrated every year in the month of June to commemorate and honor the tipping point for the Gay Liberation Movement in the US in 1969 known as the Stonewall Uprising in Manhattan. The purpose of this month is to recognize the impact le***an, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals have had on history at the local, national, and international levels. The events in the month of June consist of pride parades, picnics, parties, workshops, symposiums and concerts, and memorials held for those who the community has lost to hate crimes or HIV/AIDS.

Today, with the community facing continued attacks, this month is an opportunity for visibility and for the community to show support! Happy Pride and remember, love always wins!!

Source: (Library of Congress)

Congratulations graduates!! Onward social workers!!

Congratulations to all our 2023 graduates!! 🎉

The Department of Social Work at Mason presented a screening of the film "The Reason I Jump" based on the best selling memoir by Naoki Higashida. In the film, we had the honor of witnessing the work of Amrit Khurana. She is a young artist on the autism spectrum who speaks through her artwork. In support of her work, the department is assisting in selling some of Amrit’s art pieces. If you’re interested in purchasing, please email [email protected] with the name or description of the painting.

Here is a link to the artist’s website and additional paintings: https://www.amritkhurana.com