Lifting Lives, Changing Futures—Celebrating Our Social Workers!

By Office of the President | Mar 25, 2025

What does it take to be a social worker? A heart full of compassion, a problem-solving mindset, and a relentless spirit ready to take on life’s toughest challenges. This Social Work Month, we celebrate the everyday heroes who uplift individuals, strengthen families, and transform communities—one act of kindness, one fight for justice, one life-changing moment at a time.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2020, there were over 715,000 social workers across the U.S.—193,200 in healthcare alone—these professionals are the backbone of support systems in hospitals, clinics, schools, and beyond. In New York State, 24,900 healthcare social workers provide critical care and advocacy for those with the greatest need. Whether guiding patients through difficult medical decisions, fighting for underserved communities, or simply being a steady, compassionate presence, social workers redefine serving.

At our recent Social Work Educational Event, we saw firsthand how impactful and essential social workers are. Gina Jean Baptiste, LCSW, ED, Social Worker, reminded us that our surroundings affect our well-being. MaryAnn Barbera, LMSW, NS 72/74, led a sensitive discussion on end-of-life care, emphasizing the vital role of social workers in providing comfort, dignity, and understanding.

Eva Spears Smith, LCSW-R, CCM, OPD-Collaborative Care Supervisor, stressed the importance of why early intervention and continued support for mental health challenges are game-changers for individuals and families. Tracey Braithwaite, Ph.D., LMSW, Senior Staff Associate, Transplant, and Mirka Saint Jean, LMSW, Transplant, explored the Downstate Transplant Program, showcasing how social workers guide patients through organ transplantation’s emotional, ethical, and medical complexities.

We also took a moment to honor the late Ms. Andrea Perry, Clerk on NS 61, a dedicated force for good who left a great legacy, reminding us that social work is more than a profession—a calling.

Because social workers never stop giving, we wanted to show our appreciation in a fun way—so we created this “Nutrition Facts” chip bag to make it official! Packed with everything that makes social workers extraordinary: 100% Compassion – Because every act of kindness changes a life; 100% Dedication – Because the work never stops, and neither do they; 100% Hard Work – Because making a difference takes commitment; and 100% Professionalism – Because they bring expertise, integrity, and heart to every challenge.

Thank you to our Downstate social workers for their tireless advocacy, boundless empathy, and unwavering commitment. You lift lives, change futures, and improve the world. We celebrate you and appreciate you—today and always!

Because you’re ALL THAT, and a bag of chips!

Tags: Commemorative Months, Social Work