Lifting Lives, Changing Futures鈥擟elebrating Our Social Workers!
By Office of the President | Mar 25, 2025
What does it take to be a social worker? A heart full of compassion, a problem-solving mindset, and a relentless spirit ready to take on life鈥檚 toughest challenges. This Social Work Month, we celebrate the everyday heroes who uplift individuals, strengthen families, and transform communities鈥攐ne act of kindness, one fight for justice, one life-changing moment at a time.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 鈥�193,200 in healthcare alone鈥攖hese professionals are the backbone of support systems in hospitals, clinics, schools, and beyond. In New York State, 24,900 healthcare social workers provide critical care and advocacy for those with the greatest need. Whether guiding patients through difficult medical decisions, fighting for underserved communities, or simply being a steady, compassionate presence, social workers redefine serving.
At our recent Social Work Educational Event, we saw firsthand how impactful and essential social workers are. Gina Jean Baptiste, LCSW, ED, Social Worker, reminded us that our surroundings affect our well-being. MaryAnn Barbera, LMSW, NS 72/74, led a sensitive discussion on end-of-life care, emphasizing the vital role of social workers in providing comfort, dignity, and understanding.
Eva Spears Smith, LCSW-R, CCM, OPD-Collaborative Care Supervisor, stressed the importance of why early intervention and continued support for mental health challenges are game-changers for individuals and families. Tracey Braithwaite, Ph.D., LMSW, Senior Staff Associate, Transplant, and Mirka Saint Jean, LMSW, Transplant, explored the Downstate Transplant Program, showcasing how social workers guide patients through organ transplantation鈥檚 emotional, ethical, and medical complexities.
We also took a moment to honor the late Ms. Andrea Perry, Clerk on NS 61, a dedicated force for good who left a great legacy, reminding us that social work is more than a profession鈥攁 calling.
Because social workers never stop giving, we wanted to show our appreciation in a fun way鈥攕o we created this 鈥淣utrition Facts鈥� chip bag to make it official! Packed with everything that makes social workers extraordinary: 100% Compassion 鈥� Because every act of kindness changes a life; 100% Dedication 鈥� Because the work never stops, and neither do they; 100% Hard Work 鈥� Because making a difference takes commitment; and 100% Professionalism 鈥� Because they bring expertise, integrity, and heart to every challenge.
Thank you to our Downstate social workers for their tireless advocacy, boundless empathy, and unwavering commitment. You lift lives, change futures, and improve the world. We celebrate you and appreciate you鈥攖oday and always!
Because you鈥檙e ALL THAT, and a bag of chips!
Tags: Commemorative Months, Social Work