March is the month that is designated as National Social Work Month in the U.S. I would like to personally congratulate everyone who has chosen to be a professional social worker and undertake the important work of this profession.

The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) has adopted the theme of “Life’s Journey: Help Starts Here” for this month, focusing on how social workers help all people at every stage of life, while promoting dignity for everyone, especially the most vulnerable among us–children and older people.

At the same time, NASW just released a landmark study warning of an impending shortage of trained, qualified social workers in these and other areas. (See [1] http://workforce.socialworkers.org/.)

There is much important work to be done by professional social workers–those with a degree accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (or its counterpart in countries outside the U.S.). YOU are needed to do this vital work.

During Social Work Month (and year-round), pat yourself on the back for the role you play in whatever social work setting or role you have chosen!