Hats off to social workers

To the Editor: March is National Social Work Month, and Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice would like to take this opportunity to honor social workers throughout our community and the nation. Social workers bring a unique dedication to their jobs, helping people whenever and wherever they need it most. From children to seniors, social workers aid people through all stages of life. The social services team of Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice is vital in providing assessments, supportive counseling and care-plan guidance to our seriously and terminally ill patients and their families. Many patients are disadvantaged or disabled, and their needs are many and varied. A patient may need assistance with housing, or with social security disability. He or she may need emotional support, or counseling as they cope with a very difficult time in their lives. Our team is here for them, providing support services and advocacy on their behalf. I am honored and privileged to do rewarding social work. Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice & Home Health Care serves more than 400 patients each year throughout Northwest New Jersey and Pike County in Pennsylvania, and the courage and resilience of our patients and families is awe inspiring. These qualities are mirrored daily by the painstaking and compassionate efforts of the interdisciplinary staff members who support these individuals. On behalf of our organization I would like to extend my gratitude to all social workers, and to my social service staff and colleagues. As a hospice social service worker for 15 years, I am constantly reminded of the words of a fellow community activist, “Do not stand idly by.” The community can rest assured that our social work team does not. Marlina R. Schetting, MSW, LCSW Director of Social Services & Counseling Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice, Newton