Public Health at the Crossroads: The Role of Social Workers

This webinar celebrates NYAM's 175th Anniversary and the 15th year of NYAM's Social Work Section. Our guest speakers will discuss the close links between the fields of social work and public health. Social workers and other health professionals will learn about the public health perspective of identifying the social determinants of health and addressing subsequent health inequities.

NYAM and the Section on Social Work mourn the recent passing of Dr. Barbara Brenner. This program on public health is dedicated to Dr. Brenner, the founding chair of NYAM's Social Work section; and a highly respected social work leader who leaves behind an impressive legacy of social work and community. The program will begin with a short tribute to Dr. Brenner.

Participants will:

• Learn about the past and recent advances made in public health.
• Understand the current threats to public health.
• Learn about the role of social workers in advancing public health.

1 Continuing Education Hour will be provided by the Helen Rehr Center for Social Practice to NYS licensed social workers. To apply, please contact Barbara Silverstone at bsilverstone@helenrehrcenter.org. A fee of $20 will be charged.

About the Speakers

Melissa Begg, ScD, is the Dean of the Columbia School of Social Work. Dr. Begg is a population health scientist who has devoted most of her 30+ year career to developing the strongest possible evidence base for human health and well-being. She previously served as Columbia's Vice Provost for Academic Programs and co-director of the Irving Institute for Clinical and Translational Research. Dr. Begg has led a number of NIH-funded training programs, including two aimed at promoting diversity in the academy. As an academic administrator, she has focused on convening interdisciplinary scientific teams, developing innovative curricula, creating academic mentorship programs, and building a more diverse research workforce.

Elaine Congress, MSSW, MA, DSW, LCSW (Moderator), is the Associate Dean and Professor at Fordham University Graduate School of Social Service. At Fordham, she heads the dual MSW/MPH program with Mt. Sinai. She is co-chair of the NYAM Social Work Section and on the SW board at APHA. Elaine's recent books are Health and Social Work: Practice, Policy, and Research; Behavioral Science in the Global Arena: Global Mental, Spiritual and Social Health; and Behavioral Science in the Global Arena: Global Health Trends and Issues.

Nicholas Yip is a recent MSW and MPH graduate. His career reflects his focus on clinical social work, healthcare administration, and public health. Nicolas currently works as Manager, Behavioral Health Integration at Mount Sinai, where he oversees the implementation of behavioral health programs in the primary care setting. The goal of these programs is to reduce gaps in access to care for mental health services. In his spare time Nicolas works as the Director of Operations for the New York Strangers Sports Organization, addressing the health needs of youth in underserved communities such as Chinatown.