March 7, 2019 – In recognition of National Professional Social Work Month in March 2019, Cook County Public Health & Human Services (PHHS) is helping celebrate and elevate the vital work of social workers in Cook County.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics social work continues to be one of the fastest growing careers in the nation, with more than 100,000 people expected to enter the field in just seven years.

You can find social workers everywhere in our society. For example, they are in schools helping students overcome life challenges, so they can get the best possible education. They’re in clinics, hospitals and mental health centers helping people recover; and in federal, state and local government providing direct services and advocating for legislation and regulations to improve quality of life.

Many people may not know that social workers account for the largest group of mental health service providers in the United States or that the Veterans Administration is the largest employer of social workers with a master’s degree.

Cook County PHHS employs 12 social workers and social work supervisors in the areas of Adult Mental Health, Adult Services, Adult Protection, Children’s Mental Health, Child Welfare, Chemical Dependency Case Management, Developmental Disability Case Management and Waiver Case Management. Cook County PHHS also recognizes the vital partnerships and services provided by Social Workers throughout the county at Cook County Schools - ISD 166, Grand Portage Human Services, North Shore Hospital and Care Center and the Sawtooth Mountain Clinic.

“The services of social workers are needed now more than ever before as we work to support an aging population with increasing needs and issues that affect people throughout Cook County like access to affordable housing, childcare and behavioral health services,” said Alison McIntyre, Director – Public Health & Human Services. “During Social Work Month we hope you will take time to learn more about the profession and support the work of social workers in improving the lives of individuals and families in Cook County.”

Cook County PHHS will recognize Social Work Month locally by presenting a proclamation at the March 19 Public Health and Human Services Board Meeting, by sharing information about the social work profession throughout the month on the Cook County PHHS Facebook Page and with a potluck-style lunch.

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Contact:  Alison McIntyre, Director – Cook County Public Health & Human Services, 

                 218-387-3623, or [email protected]