This has been an active, growing committee working to address issues that face social workers who work in a variety of health care settings. Over the past year, the Social Workers in Health meetings (which are held by telehealth) have expanded to include sites from across the province including: Medicine Hat, Calgary, Red Deer, Ponoka, Edmonton, St. Albert, Tofield, Grande Prairie, High Prairie, and Peace River. We have also had Social Worker participation from Home Care, Continuing Care, Psychosocial Oncology Network, and Mental Health.

Plans for educational opportunities for social workers in health are being developed at individual sites/sectors. These opportunities are typically open to all social workers. Social Workers in Health keeps fellow social workers informed of upcoming events by providing updates at the meetings and distributing notices to everyone on the email distribution list. ACSW also shares news and relevant points for us to discuss at each meeting.

A new sub-committee, the Social Workers in Health Working Group, was established this past year. Attendees of the regular meetings explored ways of increasing the recognition of professional social work in health settings. The Social Workers in Health Committee continues to be a vital link between the ACSW and social workers practicing in the ever-changing world of health care.

For further information please contact Charity Lui, Membership Activities Coordinator - North at charityl@acsw.ab.ca or (780) 421-1167.