As we conclude this year's National Public Health Week, I would like to share this article from the American Public Health Association about the History of Social Work in Public Health. The article discusses these key historical milestones:
Early 1900's
- Public health nursing and social work both emerge as responses to urban poverty and disease.
- Settlement houses serving as foundations for offering both social and health services.
- Social workers addressing environmental and social causes of illness.
1910's – 1930's
- Social workers become essential in public health departments, tuberculosis clinics, maternal and child health services, and school health programs.
- The formation of the American Association of Medical Social Workers in 1918.
- The Sheppard-Towner Act of 1921 expands public health services for women and children, often staffed by social workers.
Mid-20th Century:
- Social work’s role in public health expands during the the New Deal and World War II, especially in mental health and chronic illness care.
- Post war, social work becomes more clinically focused, as opposed to broader public health work.
1980's – 2000's
- Public health reacknowledges the role of social factors in health.
- Social workers re-engage with population health issues, particularly in issues such as HIV/AIDS, substance use, and violence prevention.
- Public Health Social Work (PHSW) emerged as a recognized specialty, combining clinical practice with public health principles.
With the shared priorities like preventive care, health disparities, and equity, social work and public health in the U.S. are very much connected n addressing the social determinants of health. With increasing awareness of institutional discrimination and the aftermath of behavioral health crises like COVID-19, we have been seeing a renewed interest in establishing partnerships between the two disciplines.
What are some of your key takeaways from the article? In what ways have you seen social work come into play around your community and its wellness?
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Kayla Anderson
Veterinary Social Worker
Program for Pet Health Equity
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