I am writing in response to your printed position, published in the Jan. 18 edition, on the need for more mental health services in Sussex County. I could not agree more; however, I would like to advocate for the profession of social work. (Self-disclosure: This author will graduate from The Catholic University of America in May 2013 with her master's in social work.)
Licensed social workers are in our schools, hospitals, nursing homes, hospices, federal agencies and nonprofits. We are everywhere, and we work with our most vulnerable populations, and advocate for social and environmental justice. We work with children, families, couples, groups and communities to help alleviate and eliminate personal and societal suffering.
Our unique systems-based perspective of viewing the person in his or her environment, and promoting the dignity and worth of every human being, self-determination, social support, and providing referrals to available community resources make us perfect candidates for hire in Sussex County. We work alongside and collaborate with psychologists and psychiatrists, doctors, and nurses, teachers and families to provide the best and most appropriate mental health care for each individual. We are trained to provide mental health assessments and counseling.
With true interdisciplinary collaboration and state funding, we can help individuals and our communities reach their full potential. I graduate in May!
Heather A. Hill
Rehoboth Beach
-
A letter to the editor expresses a reader's opinion and, as such, is not reflective of the editorial opinions of this newspaper.
To submit a letter to the editor for publishing, send an email to viewpoints@capegazette.com. All letters are considered at the discretion of the newsroom and published as space allows. Due to the large volume of submissions, we cannot acknowledge receipt of each submission. Letters must include a phone number and address for verification. Keep letters to 400 words or fewer. We reserve the right to edit for content or length. Letters should be responsive to issues addressed in the Cape Gazette rather than content from other publications or media. Letters should focus on local issues, not national topics or personalities. Only one letter per author will be published every 30 days regarding a particular topic. Authors may submit a second letter within that time period if it pertains to a different issue. Letters may not be critical of personalities or specific businesses. Criticism of public figures is permissible. Endorsement letters for political candidates are no longer accepted. Letters must be the author’s original work, and may not be generated by artificial intelligence tools. Templates, form letters and letters containing language similar to other submissions will not be published.
