Rep. Hovey-Wright offered the following resolution:

House Resolution No. 245.

            A resolution to declare March 2016 as Social Work Month in the state of Michigan.

            Whereas, The primary mission of the social work profession is to enhance well-being and help meet the basic needs of all people, especially the most vulnerable in society; and

            Whereas, Social work is one of the fastest growing careers in the United States with more than 640,000 members of the profession; and

            Whereas, Social workers work in all areas of our society to improve happiness, health and prosperity, including in government, schools, universities, social service agencies, communities, the military and mental health and health care facilities; and

            Whereas, Social workers daily embody this year’s Social Work Month theme, “Forging Solutions Out of Challenges,” by helping individuals, communities, and the larger society tackle and solve issues that confront them; and

            Whereas, Social workers have helped this nation live up to its ideals by successfully pushing for equal rights for all; and

            Whereas, Social workers have helped people in this nation overcome racial strife and economic and health care uncertainty by successfully advocating for initiatives such as Medicaid, unemployment insurance, workplace safety, Social Security benefits, the Civil Rights Act, and the Voting Rights Act; and

            Whereas, Social workers are the largest group of mental health care providers in the United States and daily work to help people overcome depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and other disorders so they can lead more fulfilling lives; and

            Whereas, The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs employs more than 12,000 professional social workers and social workers whom help bolster our nation’s security by providing support to active duty military personnel, veterans, and their families; and

            Whereas, Thousands of child, family, and school social workers across the country provide assistance to protect children and improve the social and psychological functioning of children and their families. Social workers help them find loving homes and create new families through adoption; and

            Whereas, Social workers in schools work with families and schools to foster future generations by ensuring students reach their full academic and personal potential; and

            Whereas, Social workers work with older adults and their families to improve their quality of life and ability to live independently as long as possible and get access to quality mental health and health care; and

            Whereas, Social workers have helped the United States and other nations overcome earthquakes, floods, wars and other disasters by helping survivors get services such as food, shelter and health care and mental health care to address stress and anxiety; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body declare March 2016 as Social Work Month in the state of Michigan. We recognize the numerous contributions made by America’s social workers and celebrate and support the social work profession.