Nov

24

Support the Social Work Reinvestment Act

Posted on November 24, 2009 at 10:26 pm by Madrigal Maniac Under National | Print This Post | Email This Post | Leave a Comment 


Recently I posted about a CNNmoney article that said Social Work is the most stressful, overworked and underpaid profession. Today I received an email from the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) that referenced the article.

Dear Colleague,

I am writing to ask you, and every single NASW member, to contact your members of Congress and show your full support for the Dorothy I. Height and Whitney M. Young, Jr. Social Work Reinvestment Act (H.R. 795/ S.686). This is the first piece of federal legislation ever introduced that will directly address the workforce challenges that our profession is facing. These challenges, such as low salaries, high educational debt, and serious safety concerns are making it difficult to assist the 10 million clients that social workers across the country serve each day. Take a moment to view this CNNmoney.com study, which rates social work at the top of the list of stressful jobs that pay badly. Rep. Towns recently discussed this study in a “Dear Colleague” he sent to his fellow members of Congress asking for their support for H.R. 795.

The Dorothy I. Height and Whitney M. Young, Jr. Social Work Reinvestment Act is designed to address the workforce challenges we are facing, thereby helping to ensure that millions of individuals and families throughout the nation can continue to receive competent social work care. The legislation will establish a Social Work Reinvestment Commission to provide a comprehensive analysis of current workforce trends and develop long-term recommendations and strategies to ensure an adequate social work workforce. In addition, demonstration programs will award grants in the areas of workplace improvements, research, education, training, and community-based programs of excellence.

We also want to thank social workers, Representative Towns and Senator Mikulski, for introducing this legislation and for their consistent dedication and leadership of the social work profession. We hope you will take a moment to thank them too. You can print this postcard and mail it to Senator Mikulski and Representative Towns or you can send them a quick thank you email. (View Senator Mikulski’s and Representative Towns’ contact information.) It’s important to remember and thank our social work advocates in Congress!

As always, we appreciate your advocacy and leadership on the issues that are important to our profession.

Sincerely,

Elizabeth J. Clark, PhD, ACSW, MPH
Executive Director

I suggest you support the Dorothy I. Height and Whitney M. Young, Jr. Social Work Reinvestment Act as well.

  • Share/Bookmark

Nov

21

Two Free H1N1 Clinics for 11/23 and 11/24

Posted on November 21, 2009 at 10:00 pm by Madrigal Maniac Under Local | Print This Post | Email This Post | Leave a Comment 


COLUMBUS PUBLIC HEALTH AND FRANKLIN COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH
Thursday, November 19, 2009

MEDIA ADVISORY

WHAT: Community based H1N1 vaccination clinics expand availability to young adults 19 through their 24th year and adults between 25 through 64 years of age with underlying medical conditions

WHO: Franklin County Board of Health and Columbus Public Health

WHEN and WHERE:

Monday, November 23rd
4:00pm – 7:00pm
Vineyard Columbus
6000 Cooper Road, Columbus, Ohio, 43081
Sponsored by Franklin County Board of Health

Monday, November 23rd and Tuesday, November 24th
5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Veterans Memorial
300 W. Broad Street, Columbus, OH 43215
Sponsored by Columbus Public Health

DETAILS: These community based clinics will be open ONLY to the following groups:

* All children/young adults 6 months through their 24thyear
* Adults age 25 through 64 years of age with underlying medical conditions
* Pregnant women
* Adult caregivers of children less than 6 months of age
* Healthcare workers

Parents or guardians must accompany children under 18 in order for them to be vaccinated.

Adults with significant underlying medical conditions (respiratory, cardiovascular, endocrine, neurodevelopmental, etc.) are at increased risk of influenza complications and thus recommended to receive both pandemic H1N1 and seasonal influenza vaccine. For further details please visit http://www.columbuspandemicflu.org/.

The vaccinations will be provided free of charge. Those getting vaccinated should wear short or loose sleeves and eat something before they come. No one will be vaccinated if they are sick with flu-like symptoms. All children 9 years of age and younger will need to receive a second dose of vaccine after 28 days to be fully protected.

MORE INFO: Vaccine supplies will be limited. Public health continues to track flu illnesses in order to take necessary steps to prevent and control the spread of H1N1 and seasonal influenza. Visit us at Columbus Flu Info on Facebook and Twitter or visit our web site at columbuspandemicflu.org for frequently updated H1N1 information and resources. Residents can also call 2-1-1 for information.

Map powered by MapPress
  • Share/Bookmark

Nov

20

Ohio State’s Mirror Lake Jump 2009 and Pee

Posted on November 20, 2009 at 11:14 pm by Madrigal Maniac Under Local | Print This Post | Email This Post | Leave a Comment 


The Thursday night before the Michigan game, there is a tradition among students at Ohio State to jump into Mirror Lake. It’s not really a lake, it’s more like a small pond. Still, it’s a nice place to visit on a campus that sits in an urban environment.


The jump is student driven and not actually sanctioned by the university. Nobody really knows how it started, it just did.

But as an article in The Columbus Dispatch pointed out, there is something one should consider before making the jump.

Students at the College of Earth Sciences tested the water in Mirror Lake before, during, and after the jump.

“Interesting results from last year’s study include a lake-wide temperature increase of approximately 3 degrees Fahrenheit during the course of the night and an ammonia spike around 1 in the morning,” said Steve Goldsmith, a postdoctoral research associate.

The spike in temperature can easily be explained by the warm bodies of thousands of people jumping into Mirror Lake. But that ammonia spike. Yeah, that’s pee!

Goldsmith said he doesn’t want to stop anyone from jumping in, though he does advise taking a shower afterward.

“Have fun, but don’t open your mouth.”

Here’s a video of the festivities.

You can never underestimate what a liquored up college student will do.

Sources:
Wee bit of pee in lake after ‘jump’
Where did the Mirror Lake jump come from?

  • Share/Bookmark

Nov

19

CNN Reports Social Work is the Most Stressful Overworked and Underpaid Job

Posted on November 19, 2009 at 7:20 pm by Madrigal Maniac Under National | Print This Post | Email This Post | 5 Comments 


I am so screwed. According to CNNMoney list, the number one most stressful overworked and underpaid job in America happens to be my profession. Social Work. Checking in at number thirteen is substance abuse counseling. The subset of Social Work that I practice.

A great post on Trench Warfare turned me on to this. Trench Warfare is a Social Work blog that often times is hilarious, at least to Social Workers. You can see the full overworked and underpaid list here.

Here’s what CNNMoney says about Social Work.

Social workers step in when everyone else steps aside to help people and families in vulnerable situations. They provide patients with education and counseling, advise care givers and make referrals for other services. And with social workers in short supply and programs underfunded, few must juggle the work of many, while reaping little reward.

Just ask Heather Griffith, a social worker who works with children in intensive foster care in Boston: “You’re getting paid $12 an hour and kids are screaming at you, telling you that you are just in it for the money and you’re just like, really?”

Here’s what they say about substance abuse counselors.

Dealing with the needs of one addict is more than many people can bear, but these counselors do it by the caseload. Coordinating personalized treatment programs for addictions to alcohol, drugs, gambling and other issues such as eating disorders are all in a day’s work.

“When the funding sources aren’t there, when people you know are losing people, it gets hard,” said Beth Rosenshein, director of the Substance Abuse Coalition in Charlestown, Mass. “These are people’s children and people’s families and yet that’s what drives you to do something about it.”

So, I work in two of the fields that are considered the most stressful overworked and underpaid professions in America. I’m sorry, I have to go now and get fitted for my straight jacket.



But seriously folks. Did you notice that both quotes mentioned the word funding. Why is it we spend billions of dollars on nation building, corporate bailouts, and tax cuts for the wealthy, but can’t spend a few million dollars to help people who are in need? Waiting lists for services in Central Ohio are incredibly long. Even when a client does finally see me, due to budget cuts, I am unable to do the job I have been trained to do because of a lack resources.

I love my job as a Social Worker. What I dislike is that it is not shown the respect that it deserves.

  • Share/Bookmark

Nov

18

Dispatch Series on Domestic Violence is Excellent

Posted on November 18, 2009 at 11:47 pm by Madrigal Maniac Under Local, State | Print This Post | Email This Post | Leave a Comment 


The Columbus Dispatch in a four part investigative series that ended today, reported on the fear, pain, and obstacles to justice that victims of domestic violence face. A link to the series that began Sunday can be found here.

While advocates for victims of domestic violence have known the extent of the problem for years, it took an investigation by The Columbus Dispatch for Ohio politicians to start talking about it.

Senate President Bill M. Harris said he was “alarmed” by the findings of a Dispatch investigation that show tolerance and indifference to a crime with profound effects on society.

“This is a complex problem with no easy answers,” said the Ashland Republican. “I am committed to opening a dialogue with experts, advocates and legislators on any constructive ideas to better protect Ohio victims of domestic violence.”

I hope he means that and does not forget his commitment once the memory of the series fades.

Ohio House Speaker Armond Budish, D-Beachwood, said he would be open to taking a holistic approach to fixing flaws in state law regarding domestic violence.

“We need to do more to protect victims of domestic violence,” Budish said. “We should be looking at whether there are adequate penalties for repeat offenders.

Some advocates believe their should be jail time after the first offense. I spent four years working with male batterers in a 40 week program. Seldom did I see any serve significant jail time.

Georgia is one of at least 16 states that require batterer-intervention counseling. Ohio is not among them.

While the criminal penalties in Ohio are woefully insufficient, at least in Central Ohio, the good news is almost every batterer I have seen has been required to complete the 40 week intervention program. The session’s are based on the Duluth Model and focus on domestic violence being about power and control and not about just “losing it.” I am not sure what other cities are doing as far as counseling, but you might want to find out.

One area I believe the series did not focus on enough is the emotional abuse victims face. It’s not always about being physically assaulted, it’s also about the psychological abuse that perpetrators will use as power to control their victim(s).

Still, It’s an excellent series.

Ohio has about eight times as many shelters for animals as for victims of domestic violence. Few other crimes touch as many lives and receive so little attention.

I suggest all Ohioans read the series to learn more about the prevalence of domestic violence in our state.

Sources:
Day 1: Repeat domestic-violence offenders get off easy in Ohio
Lawmakers call for holistic approach to domestic-violence laws

  • Share/Bookmark

Nov

16

Ohio State Unveils New Uniforms Pryor to Michigan Game

Posted on November 16, 2009 at 10:07 pm by Madrigal Maniac Under Local, State | Print This Post | Email This Post | 2 Comments 















The Ohio State Athletics Department has decided to change the Buckeye’s uniforms on the week of their storied rivalry with Michigan. Early returns are that the uniform does not meet the Buckeye Nation’s approval.

School officials said a slimmer, formfitting design didn’t leave room for any gray. The two white stripes on each sleeve are set off by black stripes. In letters to the editor and an Internet poll on its Web site, The Columbus Dispatch has been besieged by fans upset over the jerseys.

NBCsports/MSNBC

I don’t buy the slimmer, form fitting design argument. You plan something like this change for a while. If that was true, why didn’t OSU use it earlier, let’s say against USC.

I would suggest one of four reasons for the uniform change.

First, Nike paid a helluva lot of money to design OSU’s uniforms. Wouldn’t changing them before an OSU vs. Michigan game make a lot of sense for Nike? (That’s the one that is probably right).

Ohio State has a six-year, $11.4 million contract with Nike, which provides uniforms and equipment for the school’s athletic teams.

NBCsports/MSNBC

Second, as the Common Man pointed out on 97.1 The Fan, this could be one of Tressel’s sly tricks he always comes up with before the Michigan game. (That one’s probably not right, there is a reason he’s the Common Man).

Third, they’ve already won the Big 10 championship and are going to the Rose Bowl. Still, they can’t win the national championship, so who gives a crap. (I hope that one is not right.)

Fourth, they really want to honor the 1954 Buckeye’s (That’s actually the one I’m rooting for).

  • Share/Bookmark

Nov

16

Helping Hands Free H1N1 Clinic for 11/17/09

Posted on November 16, 2009 at 6:41 pm by Madrigal Maniac Under Local | Print This Post | Email This Post | Leave a Comment 


HELPING HANDS FREE CLINIC will hold a Community based H1N1 vaccination clinics for all children, ages 6 months - 18 years, this coming Tuesday, November 17 from 5-8 PM at 1421 Morse Road, Columbus.

These community based clinics will be open ONLY to the following groups:

  • All children 6 months through their 18th year
  • We will also serve:
  • Pregnant women
  • Adult caregivers of children under 6 months of age
  • Medical care staff who provide direct patient care to potential patients with H1N1 (see definition below)

Medical care personnel (such as physicians, nurses, physician assistants, medical assistants, nursing assistants) and emergency medical services personnel (such as emergency medical technicians, paramedics) who must provide direct medical care to patients with potential H1N1 influenza or influenza-like illness (ILI).

The following are NOT currently eligible for H1N1 influenza vaccine at community clinics:

  • Students, including medical, nursing, dental and other healthcare professions
  • Counselors, including mental health, drug and alcohol
  • Dental personnel, including dentists, dental hygienists, dental assistants, etc.
  • Therapists, including physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, etc.
  • Ancillary staff, including office, billing, etc.

Parents or guardians must accompany children under 18 years of age in order for them to be vaccinated. The vaccinations will be provided free of charge. Children and young adults should wear short or loose sleeves and eat something before they come. They will not be vaccinated if they are sick with flu-like symptoms. All children 9 years of age and younger must receive a second dose of vaccine after 28 days to be fully protected.

MORE INFO: Vaccine supplies will be limited.

For more information, please visit Helping Hands at http://helpinghandsfreeclinic.wetpaint.com/ or call 614-262-5094.

Map powered by MapPress

  • Share/Bookmark

Nov

12

Strickland Campaign Video for Health Care

Posted on November 12, 2009 at 6:56 pm by Madrigal Maniac Under National, State | Print This Post | Email This Post | Leave a Comment 


I’ve been pretty tough on Governor Ted (I thought I voted for a Democrat) Strickland. But in the end, I’m certainly not going to vote for Kasich. So, I thought I’d share this new Strickland campaign video and a few words from the email that links to it. It’s an effort to show a little support for Ted.

President Obama has called for a health care reform plan that reduces costs, guarantees choice and ensures coverage for all Americans.

Now, that reform is closer than ever to becoming a reality. On Saturday, the House of Representatives voted to pass comprehensive health care reform. It was a historic moment for America — and for all Ohioans.

As Governor, I know how important this issue is to Ohio families. We just released a new video that talks about what my administration has done to improve health care in Ohio. I’m proud of everything we’ve accomplished, but we’ll need the right kind of partnership with the federal government to finish the job. That’s why health care reform is so vital.

Now that looks like a Democrat.

  • Share/Bookmark

Nov

12

H1N1 Update for Franklin County

Posted on November 12, 2009 at 6:24 pm by Madrigal Maniac Under Local | Print This Post | Email This Post | Leave a Comment 


As of today, Columbus Public Health has vaccinated 12,664 people, while the Franklin County Board of Health has vaccinated 5,908. This has been accomplished through their mobile Point of Distribution Sites (PODS).

What will the rest of November look like?

Children and young adults will continue to be a priority. In early December, there will clinics for children under 10 to get their second vaccination. This vaccination must be at least 28 days after the first. They will also continue to vaccinate others for the first time.

The next priority group will be young adults ages 19 to 24. That may not happen until December. The priority group after young adults will be adults 25-64 years with chronic medical conditions.

Information can always be found at http://www.columbuspandemicflu.com/ or by dialing First Link at 211.

  • Share/Bookmark

Nov

12

H1N1 Clinics for Children on 11/13 and 11/14

Posted on November 12, 2009 at 12:52 am by Madrigal Maniac Under Local | Print This Post | Email This Post | Leave a Comment 


MEDIA ADVISORY – Franklin County Board of Health H1N1 Clinics

WHAT: H1N1 Vaccination Clinics

WHO: Franklin County Board of Health

WHEN:

  • Friday, November 13th from 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
  • Saturday, November 14th from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

WHERE: Rickenbacker International Airport
2241 John Circle Drive, Columbus, OH 43217

DETAILS: These community based clinics will be open ONLY to the following groups:

All children 6 months through their 18th year

We will also serve:

  • Pregnant women
  • Adult caregivers of children under 6 months of age
  • Medical care staff who provide direct patient care to potential patients with H1N1

Parents or guardians must accompany children in order for them to be vaccinated. Supplies will be limited. The vaccinations will be free of charge.

Nasal flu mist will be provided to all persons in the above sub-groups, age 2 - 49 with no medical complications.

Children should wear short or loose sleeves and eat something before they come. Children will not be vaccinated if they are sick with flu-like symptoms. All children 9 years of age and younger must receive a second dose of vaccine after 28 days to be fully protected.

MORE INFO: Visit Columbus Flu Info on Facebook and Twitter or visit our web site at columbuspandemicflu.org for frequently updated H1N1 information and resources. Residents can also call 211 [First Link] for information.

Map powered by MapPress



P.S. The media advisory was edited to make it more readable and the map was added to the post by yours truly as were the links.

  • Share/Bookmark