Did We Forget Social Workers During The Pandemic?

Are Social Workers being Ignored?

The pandemic was such a scary time for everyone. We needed all hands on deck to support the huge needs caused by the virus. I saw firsthand how nurses and doctors were recognized for their sacrifice during the pandemic. But Social Workers were never mentioned when Social Workers were on the frontline. Some Social Workers lost their life due to the big sacrifice that was made. Let’s take a deep dive to fully understand how Social Workers supported the nation during the pandemic.

Social Workers in Healthcare

Social Workers during the pandemic supported the health systems in America. Social Workers worked long hours during the pandemic without any complaints. Many hospital facilities faced staffing shortages and many employees were expected to help cover for the missing staff. When the pandemic hit it caused some staff to quit, retire or work from home. Social Workers were the ones that communicated with families while their loved ones were hospitalized. Social Workers had to help locate family, find placement facilities, conduct family meetings, and comfort the patient's family.

During the pandemic, some hospital facilities faced a PPE shortage. So some Social Workers had to work under these conditions. All the while going through the pandemic Social Workers had to care for their own families and experienced the death of their families as well. Social Workers experienced having large caseloads and were unable to take vacations.

Social Workers in Mental Health

The Social Workers that worked in the area of mental health saw an increase in those needing mental health services. As a Social Worker myself I could see firsthand how the mental health system was not ready for the pandemic. I worked for an Employee Assistance Program and we received so many calls from people seeking therapy. I remember receiving so many calls from healthcare workers who were experiencing burnout. Many mental health clinics were booked out for months thus making it difficult to get people into therapy. In rural areas, it was even harder to find therapists for people. The caseloads for Social Workers in mental health grew larger but we continue to support those in need.

Acknowledge of Services Provided

While I acknowledge wholeheartedly that doctors and nurses are heroes and worked hard during the pandemic but let us not forget Social Workers. We worked long hours and our work goes unnoticed. We are the silent heroes and some perished during the pandemic. Social Workers supported the health and mental health systems in America. We deserve to be acknowledged for our hard work and dedication. Social Workers do so much but are so underpaid and ignored. I am a Social Worker because I care and I am taking the time to recognize my colleagues who worked hard during the pandemic. I see you and you are a Hero in my eyes.