March is Social Work Month

Each year in March, social workers are recognized for their work to “help individuals, families, communities, and our nation overcome issues that prevent them from reaching their full potential.” The theme of Social Work Month 2022, “The Time is Right for Social Work,” highlights the growing number of professionals entering this field, especially as the nation continues to deal with the pandemic and other issues. Social workers help people gain access to resources and work with individuals suffering from depression, anxiety, and other emotional challenges. This is especially relevant in terms of vision loss. Social workers and other providers of behavioral health services often help individuals adjust to changes in vision and manage life with vision loss. The Vision Health Initiative (VHI) of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recognizes that “Managing vision loss can take a toll on your physical and mental health.” The CDC reports that reduced vision has been linked to “loneliness, social isolation, and feelings of worry, anxiety, and fear.” Therefore, the CDC recommends that those with vision loss be screened for mental health problems and referred for treatment for the sake of their quality of life. For more information about Social Work Month, including media materials, check out the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) website: The Time is Right for Social Work. Thank you social workers!