BUSINESS NAME
August-September-October
Chapter Update
Newsletter Date
Chapter Update August-September-October 2011 Anna Scheyett Named Dean of USC College of Social Work The University of South Carolina has appointed Anna Scheyett as the new Dean for the College of Social Work. Dr. Scheyett, the former Associate Dean for Academic Affairs at the UNC College of Social Work, took over the reins at USC on August 1, replacing Dennis Poole. Scheyett, 52, earned her bachelor’s degree in biology and English from Dickinson College in Carlisle, Pa. She holds a Ph.D. in Social Work from Memorial University of Newfoundland, an MSW degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and a Master of Science, Master of Philosphy degree from the Yale University Human Genetics Dept. She is the recipient of numerous CHAPTER STAFF (803) 256-8406 Carla Damron, LISW-CP, Exec Director cdamron@scnasw.org Stacie Vandervelde, Finance Contracted Position finance@scnasw.org Tonya Fishburne, SW Intern swintern@scnasw.org
Call For Abstracts Proposals SCNASW 012 Spring Symposium:
Social Work Matters March 11-14, 2012 at the Doubletree Hotel, Columbia SC
For more information, contact the chapter office
awards, including the “Most Creative and Innovative Teaching Award” UNC School of Social Work (2007), the North Carolina NASW Social Worker of the Year Award (2007), and the Most Supportive Professor Award, UNC School of Social Work (2006). She was the North Carolina recipient of the community advocate “Heroes in the Fight” award, sponsored by Eli Lilly Foundation in 2005. Dr. Scheyett also brings to her new role many years’ experience as a social work administrator, supervisor, and field instructor. In addition, she has worked as a mental health practitioner, specializing in adults with serious and persistent mental illness: “One of my points of pride is that when I walk down the main street in Chapel Hill, some of the homeless guys or members of the psychosocial clubhouse where I used to work remember me and say ‘hi,’” notes Scheyett. “Those relationships are still important to me.” In a press release, Dr. Scheyett described her view about social work: “In a good society there are some implicit promises we make to our citizens. You’ll be safe; somebody will help you if you get sick; if you are a child you won’t be hurt; if you are an older adult, we will help you live in your home; if you are in the military, we’ll honor your work.
“These are things a decent society promises its citizens. Social work is the profession that helps a society keep its promises.” —Scheyett What’s Inside: Have You Met:
2
A SW Intern’s Perspective
3
From Where I Sit
4
President’s Letter
5
Medicare Benefits Pt 3 6 Book Review
7
Audit Report
8
Links and Info
9
Page 2
Chapter Update
Have You Met Chris Alouah? How did you decide to become a social worker?
Chris Alouah
“Consistency
is the key to success; never put off anything that needs to be done.
I was born and lived most of my life in rural Navrongo in the Upper East Region of Ghana. Growing up in one of the most economically deprived areas in the country, I have personally experienced most of the problems common to rural people in a developing country like Ghana, such as limited access to reliable and adequate health information and good quality health care (further worsened by the AIDS pandemic), poverty, limited access to good quality education, and a general lack of collective political participation to influence policy decisions.
Conducting health research with the Navrongo Health Research Center (NHRC) in Chapter Update rural settings in northern Ghana brought me even Editorial Committee closer to the socioeconomic Ann Dwyer, Chair and health problems of rural people, particularly women Taryn Dominguez and children. These realities Carla Damron have, to a large extent, shaped my life and my eduSue Lyman cational and career goals. Sally Hayes, proof reader These experiences also fueled my interest in pursuing graduate studies in Social Work and Public Health. How long have you been in the field of social work?
I have been involved in social work activities since 1990; my professional social work training started in August 2008 at the College of Social Work at USC. NASW member since: 2010 Academic-tell us about your education. Undergraduate--Diploma in Theater Arts (Drama), University of Ghana (19972000); BA in English and Theater Arts, University of Ghana (2004-2007) Graduate--MSW/MPH, University of South Carolina (2008-2011) Doctorate--Doctor of Public Health (DrPH), University of South Carolina (2011Present) Philosophical-tell us your thoughts on social work My philosophy is that you should always endeavor to start whatever task you have to perform well ahead of time so that you are not overwhelmed trying to do too many things at the eleventh hour. Even though I do not consider myself as one the brightest in class, I have always emerged among the top performers in school. I take community services and students’ social activities seriously in order to develop my skills as a lead-
er. I’m always looking for opportunities to serve and help others. The fulfillment of this attitude towards studies and community service was when I was named the MSW Student of the Year for 2011. It made me feel self-accomplished. If you could do things all over again, would you choose the same path? Yes, because it has always worked for me this way. What profession other than your own would you like to attempt? If I have time in life, I would like to venture into Philosophy What advice would you offer someone new to the field of social work? Get involved and don’t think about immediate rewards; rewards will always come naturally if you deserve them. What abilities or personal qualities do you believe contribute most to success in this field? Consistency in pursuing knowledge, high motivation to succeed, a keen interest to make a difference in the lives of the poor and marginalized, and good interpersonal skills—building a
Page 3
August-September-October 2011 A Social Work Student’s Perspective
Chris Alouah (cont’d)
By Tonya Fishburne, SW Intern
make a difference in the lives of the poor and marginalized, and good interpersonal skills—building a good rapport with others.
Nelson Mandela
What do you see as the biggest challenge facing social workers today?
Michael Bolton, Instruments and Jazz
Low pay and too much workload can detract social workers who enter the field with the intention of improving the well-being of people. When people are overburdened with work without a commensurate pay, they experience burnout and the result is job turnover. This, to me, is the bane of the profession.
Personal-tell us about your non-work self What is your favorite hobby/pastime? Find friends and chat with them or stay in my room and play instrumental music. If money/time were no object, what would be your dream vacation? I’m a football fiend so I would like to travel to Brazil and Spain to see where some of the players live. Who is your favorite historical figure?
Who/what is your favorite musician/band/type of music?
Who/what is your favorite writer/book? Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe What has happened recently in your life that makes you proud/smile? When I received my MSW and MPH certificates, all the efforts, stress, and perseverance I experienced during my studies all played out in front of me, and I could hear my own voice saying, “Chris, well done.” It made me smile and it gave me a sense of fulfillment. What are some “words of wisdom” you like to live by? Consistency is the key to success; never put off anything that needs to be done. You would be amazed how helpful it would be in the long-run just by putting in only 30 minutes to work on an assignment or project each day.
I’m a field placement student at NASW South Carolina Chapter. I wanted to introduce myself and share with you my journey of being a graduate student. I was born in Walterboro, S.C. into a single parent household. I lived with my mother and older brother. When I was thirteen, I moved to Columbia, S.C., where I graduated from Richland Northeast High School. I currently reside in Columbia with my five-year-old daughter. For the past eleven years, I’ve worked as a licensed cosmetologist. While working and being a mom, I received my undergraduate degree from Benedict College here in Columbia, SC and recently completed a Masters in Health Administration for Webster University. I’m currently at the University of South Carolina enrolled in the one-year advance standing program seeking to receive a Masters in Social Work. After completion of my graduate course, I plan to become a licensed social worker within a medical setting, such as a nursing home, retirement home, hospice facility, or a hospital. My ultimate career goal is to become a nursing home administrator. I have always had goals set for myself, but it was not until I became a mother that more goals made it to the list. Being a single mother has changed my outlook on life. My daughter is why I am pursuing my education and career goals. I want her to grow and be able to say “my mother was a single mother and she received her cosmetology license, a bachelor’s and two master degrees.” I also want my daughter to be as proud of me as I am of my mother. I am not one to complain about life. I believe that your life is what you make it to be and if you do not like it, you have to do something to make a difference that would allow you to be happy. Everyone experiences some hard times, but I never dwell on the past or my mistakes. Everything in life happens for a reason, even if the reasons are unexplainable. I take everything that I have done wrong in the past and turn it into a positive lesson for the future. For the last twenty-eight years my mom has cared for elderly people--from private sitting to nursing homes
Page 4
Chapter Update From Where I Sit … Carla Damron, Executive Director SW Student cont’d ..and retirement facilities.
Watching how she cares for the elderly is what initiated my desire to help people. I want to care for people but just not in the physical, hands-on way my mom does. My mom is my motivation. She’s shown me what I want to be in life. Maybe I can be the same for my daughter.
Six of us sat behind telephones, struggling to ignore the television cameras, the lights, and the news crew in front of us. We were social workers and mental health clinicians invited by Channel 19 to take phone calls. It was one week after 9-11. “Callers are invited to dial the numbers on your screen to talk with a mental health professional about any issues you might have relating to recent events,” the news anchor said. “This has been a stressful time for all of us.” A “stressful time” was a bit of an understatement. The entire country—if not the whole world—felt the burden of what had happened. Perceptions had shifted; what was safe was not … what was constant was not. As a traveler scheduled to fly home on Sept 11, I grappled with my own new awareness of how our world had changed. For five days, I worried over cancelled flights, obsessed about the news, and asked the questions we were all asking: Were my family and friends safe? What would happen next? What world did we live in now? In the studio, the first phone rang, then the second. We didn’t stop answering until
an hour after the broadcast ended. I talked with a young mother whose five year old had developed night terrors. An elderly woman who was petrified to leave her home. A veteran reliving his Viet Nam experience as though he was in the jungle again dodging snipers. “Will I ever get over this?” one young man asked me. “I don’t know,” would have been an honest reply. We gave out crisis numbers, mental health contacts, and referrals to local Emergency Departments. We told the callers to turn off the news. For weeks to come, social workers, counselors, physicians and clergy across our country did our best to help others recover from the trauma. This was not an easy task; we were recovering ourselves. In the ten years that have passed since 9-11, our country has faced Katrina, near financial collapse, and an environmental catastrophe in the Gulf of Mexico. We have proven to be resilient. We have honored those we lost. But I worry that these disasters have hardened us. Current political rhetoric attacks services to our most vulnerable citizens. Disaster response agencies—and
those tasked with rebuilding --- face dire funding cuts. In South Carolina, our health and mental health systems struggle to meet a growing demand for treatment while budgets shrink. The very people who take care of the victims of disaster are becoming victims themselves-of job cuts. Yet despite these setbacks, social workers and other human service professionals persevere. We do more with less; we take care of those who need us. If 9-11 taught us anything, it blurred the line between “us” and “them.” Any one of us can find ourselves a victim, needing support, or housing, or just an ear to hear our story. I’m honored to be a social worker; when disaster strikes, we will be among the those who step forward. No matter what may come, social work remains the profession of hope, resiliency, and recovery. (a version of this article appeared in the STATE newspaper, 9/12/11 )
Page 5
August-September-October 2011
The President’s Letter by Shirley Furtick, MSW, ACSW, LISW-AP/CP On August 26, 2011 the Board held its orientation to welcome new and returning Board members. Richard Loomis of NASW Chapter Services facilitated the orientation. Richard’s presentation was informative and motivational. Of particular interest to me was his discussion regarding the four keys of organizational success – nothing new but a new meaning as I think of our Chapter. He noted the Chapter as an administrative unit of the National Organization and that its structure and programs are designed to encourage and facilitate member participation at the local level. I have reflected on his discussion of the four keys of organizational success - members/volunteers, programs, money, and skilled staff- not necessarily in that order. In light of the many challenges the Chapter encountered during the past year. I would like to share my reflections with you at this time. Members – The Chapter’s membership has increased through membership renewals. This includes members whose memberships lapsed for a time and new members. WELCOME! So now I’d like to challenge EACH member to bring in some-
one new! As the chapter grows, so does our impact. Skilled staff – Welcome, again, and accolades to Carla Damron, Executive Director. At the direction of the Board, Carla has made significant strides to stabilize the Chapter’s infrastructure. Carla has demonstrated vision for the Chapter, she is energetic, and goes beyond schedule work hours to get things done. I hope you read her article “The emotional Toll of 911” which is reprinted in this newsletter.
sure that the Chapter is addressing social and political issues we need an active Governmental Affairs Committee and chair. If we do not have programs of interest or are not addressing issues of concern to you, that is because you are not involved. I encourage you to get more involved in the chapter by calling Carla to volunteer and/or sign up for a committee. We need you!
‘Get more involved in the chapter by calling Carla to volunteer and/ or sign up for a committee. We need you!
Money – The Chapter is moving toward financial stability. Thanks to the efforts of the Financial Committee, Board and Chapter staff to monitor revenue and expenditures, we have a balanced budget going into fiscal year 2011 and 2012. Lastly Programs and Volunteers. These two are our nemeses. Our committees have not been active and volunteers to serve on the committees have been sparse. My vision for this term of my presidency is to work with the Executive Director and Board to vitalize our committees and volunteers. To do that we need your help! For example, to en-
Come visit our new office at 2537 Gervais Street! We’re usually there Mon-Wed.
Page 6
Chapter Update Specified Low Income Medicare Beneficiaries (SLMBs) Program Last month, we discussed the benefits of Medicare Extra Help for Low Income Beneficiaries and how it can save a patient several hundred dollars a year on their medicines. This month, I would like to tell you The Specified Low Income Medicare Beneficiaries (SLMBs) Program. The website, http://www.scdhhs.gov/InsideDHHS/Bureaus/ EligiblityPolicyAndOversight/Spec.%20Low% 20Inc.%20Medicare%20Beneficiaries%28SLMB% 29.asp defines the program as follows: “A SLMB is an individual who: Is entitled to Medicare Part A hospital insurance;
• has countable income greater than 100% and less than or equal to 120% of the Federal Poverty Level ($1,083 for an individual and $1,457 for a couple); and Have countable resources below the limit ($6,600 for an individual and $9,910 for a couple). Supplemental Security Income financial policy is used to determine eligibility with the following exceptions: • In-kind support and maintenance is not counted as income; and The value of a home, household goods, and personal effects, one motor vehicle, life estate interest in property and undivided interest in heirs' property are not counted as resources. Benefits For a SLMB, the Medicaid Program is required to pay the Medicare Part B only. These individuals are NOT entitled to any other Medicaid benefits; therefore, they do not receive a Medicaid card.” The application, located here: http://www.scdhhs.gov/QandAResults.asp?formID=F M%20910&IncomeID=slmb, can be filled out by the patient and sent to the appropriate Medicaid worker. This means that if your patient has Medicare and has an income of $1,083 for an individual and $1,457 for a couple; and has countable resources below the limit ($6,600 for an individual and $9,910 for a couple);
they can potentially have the state of South Carolina pay for their Medicare part B. Premium. Although, Medicaid suspends this program from time to time, IT IS WORTH APPLYING FOR TO HELP YOUR PATIENT! I hope that these series of resources can help your uninsured, underinsured or low-income Medicare patients. I believe that discussing these hidden gems are great ways to cut costs and utilize resources that have been put in place for individuals and helping professionals. If you have any questions regarding any of the articles about prescription assistance, Medicare Extra Help for Low Income Beneficiaries, or the Specified Low Income Medicare Beneficiaries (SLMBs) Program, please contact me: Taryn Dominguez Chapter Southern Unit Representative at Taryndominguez@gmail.com So there you have it folks, I gave you three awesome resources to help you help others. Now it is your turn. Let us know if some of your strategies on getting resources for your patient. Again, to expand our profession, we need to expand the circle of minds that are used for this newsletter and for the state. Therefore, PLEASE do not hold back and let us know your thoughts!
Do we have your current information? Updating your member info is easy! Go to http:// www.socialworkers.org/ At the upper right corner, click on the gold “log in” button. Fill in your user name and password (if you don’t know them, see right hand side for info). Click on gold “Member Center” button (top right). From there, you can update your address and email, or change your password. Since we download member info from the national site, this will update your info here at the chapter.
Page 7
August-September-October 2011 Book Review: Rebecca Skloot’s The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks
Some colleges assign “common reads” to incoming freshman—books that all students are requested to read over the summer prior to starting their first year of college. The students are expected to prepare to discuss the reading during their first week on campus. Typically the books assigned have themes that touch on a diverse amount of college studies. A recent common read that has been assigned is The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, by Rebecca Skloot (2010, Crown). Ms. Skloot became interested in this subject after learning about “HeLa” cells in her college biology courses. She wanted to understand more about the woman who originated this valuable cell line that has been used and continues to be used in research all over the world. The completely non-fiction book entwines biography and science as it recounts the experience of an African American woman, Henrietta Lacks, who is diagnosed with cervical cancer and the ramifications her treatment had beyond her short life. It explores the intricacies of when bioethics, race relations and medical research collide. The book begins with the early years of Henrietta Lacks, who was born in 1920 in rural southern Virginia and grew up working in the family business of tobacco farming. After marrying, she and her husband relocated to Baltimore, MD for a brighter economic future. During the same years that Henrietta was growing up in Virginia, much attention and research was beginning to be given to cell research. Scientists and doctors understood the great potential cell research had on medical science and public health care. At age 30 Henrietta was diagnosed with cervical cancer and was treated at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore. During the course of her treatment, some tissue from her tumor biopsy is given to a medical researcher without Henrietta’s or her family’s knowledge or consent. The cells are the first human cells to survive and thrive in a culture, away from their host. Henrietta died of cervical cancer several months later leaving a
husband and small children.
five
The cell line that survived from Henrietta’s tumor cells was dubbed “HeLa”, the first two letters of Henrietta’s first and last name. HeLa cells were distributed all over the world to research labs and used in thousands experiments including testing the efficacy of the polio vaccine, effects of radiation on human cells, preliminary explorations into in-vitro fertilization, cellular cloning and stem cell research to name a few. The use of HeLa cells was so widespread it is estimated that there have been over 50 million metric tons of the cell line grown in the sixty years since it was first taken from Henrietta. Throughout all of this research, Henrietta’s widow and five children have no knowledge that her cells have been taken and used for research. When they find out, almost 20 years after her death, they are understandably confused, angry and desire answers. The author, Rebecca Skloot spends a decade first gaining the family’s trust and then helping them and getting help from them in telling their mother’s story. Ms. Skloot preserves the voices of the people she interviewed, using direct quotes, journal passages whenever possible. She sensitively portrays Henrietta’s family while accurately depicting the harsh realities they face. In one poignant moment, one of Henrietta’s now-adult children wonders aloud about her mother’s cells having such a profound effect on medical research when the children themselves lack health insurance. The book’s account spans events between the 1920’s and the early 2000’s, and does a great job of ordering the science side of the story with the human side of the story. The writing style is informal and captures richly the relationships of Henrietta’s children, grandchildren and greatgrandchildren. It is a very accessible read and very relevant to social work practice. Review by Ann Dwyer, LISW-CP
Page 8
August-September-October 2011 Chapter Audit Report 2010 , Ron Green, JD, ACSW SCNASW Treasurer INTRODUCTION:
the year then ended in conformity The following summary re- with accounting,principles generally port is from the “Independent accepted in the United States of Auditors’ Report” for the America”. year end June 30, 2010. It FINANCIAL POSITION FOR YEAR: was received by the Chapter on June 27, 2010. This report It should be noted we came into this will review the auditor’s fiscal year with net assets of negaopinion, will outline salient tive ($5,396). data from the financial state- ANALYSIS: ments ending in June 2010, and will provide some analy- From a financial standpoint this was sis as to implications for the not a good year for the Chapter. Based on this experience the Chapter Chapter. Board took the following steps to AUDITORS’ OPINION: redress the fiscal issues: From a legal stand• Took actions to move to a Chappoint the following statement ter staffing plan which could be is the key finding of the audisupported by our level of revetors’ review: nues. “In our opinion, the • Cut back in a number of exfinancial statements referred penditure areas including volunto above represent fairly, in teer travel and food expense. all material respects, the financial position of the South • Changed office arrangements Carolina State Chapter of the which ended up savings us National Association of Somonthly utilities and telephone cial Workers as of June 30, expense. 2010, and the changes in their net assets and cash flows for
Revenue: Dues, grants &rebates $80,628 Symposium 52,057 Continuing education 8,397 Newsletter 843 Unit income 2 ,843 Investment income 136 Other 459 Total revenue: $145,363 Expenses: Gener admin $132,882 Continuing education 4,082 Symposium 35,565 Total expenses: $172,529 Decrease in net assets: ($27,166) Net assets begin year: ($ 5,396) Net assets year end ($ 32,562)
•
Negotiated a $25,000 loan from National which is being repaid at a monthly rate under our current budget and will be repaid in approximately 2.5 years.
Given these actions the Chapter will be able to maintain its current level of operations with the expectation that we will be able to expand supported activities after the 2.5 year payout period.
Training Opportunity!! Autism Spectrum and Vulnerable Children Friday, October 7, 2011 at the DJJ Bill Rogers Community Connection Center, Columbia SC Cost $40.00 Participants will receive six social work contact hours For more information and to register, go to www.scyouthworkers.org
Primary Business Address Address Line 2 Address Line 3 Address Line 4
NASW’s New Online CEU Provider
The PACE online fundraising tool has been officially launched! It can be found at :
http://socialworkers.org/pace/default.asp
There’s also a link to it from www. socialworkers. org. Please remember that all online contributions will be shared with the chapters, just like contributions we receive through membership renewals. So it’s in our interest to promote the new online fundraising capability.
CEUSchool’s goal is to provide you with quality on-line course content in a format that is convenient to use, affordable, and relevant for today's social worker. Their site offers fully accredited NASW classes that meet all of your CEU needs. You will receive the same academic benefits that you would enjoy at an onsite facility, along with the flexibility and self-paced learning that comes with an online education. Register with CEUSchool through NASW South Carolina and you will automatically receive 3 FREE credits !!
We love your stories! NASW SC encourages everyone to contribute noteworthy information for Chapter Update. All material should be typed and emailed to the Chapter Office. Chapter Update is published by the National Association of Social Workers South Carolina Chapter. Advertisement space and fees: 1/4 page, 1/2 page, full page: $125. Members seeking employment may advertise at no cost. Rental of membership labels is available for a one-time user fee of $95 plus S&H. Position vacancies may be advertised at a flat rate of $25 (not to exceed 15 lines). Members may run camera ready business card ads for $20. SC NASW reserves the right to accept, reject or edit advertisements and notices of events based on publication schedule, space limitations and appropriateness. The views expressed in Chapter Update do not necessarily represent positions of NASW. Because of the commitment of NASW to nondiscriminatory personnel practices, advertisers in NASW publications, by action of the NASW Board of Directors, must affirm that they are equal opportunity employers. For violations of professional ethics or personnel practices, a person may file a complaint with the NASW SC Chapter Committee on Inquiry. For information, write the Chapter Office at 2537 Gervais Street, Columbia SC 29204 or call 803-256-8406. For information regarding: Social work licensure, call or write the Board of Social Work Examiners, PO Box 11329, Columbia,