In Ontario, the first week in March is recognized as Social Work Week. It is a time for highlighting the importance of this profession, and recognize the valuable contributions made by social workers each and every day. Every year, a theme is chosen to reflect the ideals and values of social workers. This year, the theme is “From everyday issues to complex needs: Social Workers, it’s what we do.”

When you think about it, much of the care that patients require is not actually medical in nature. They need reassurance. They need emotional support. They need help seeing through the clutter of worries and distraction so they can focus on the things that are important to them. They need to know where to go, and who to ask, for help. They need, in other words, what social workers deliver.

Sabrina Lopresti is the Professional Practice Leader for Social Work at Humber River Health. She says that what she, and the other nearly 60 social workers at the hospital, do is help patients turn issues into answers.

“Very often, patients just need help realizing that although they may be going through a difficult time, together we may be able to find a solution” she says. “We may help motivate them, manage crises, talk through problems, or we may put them in contact with support structures in their communities, so they have continued support upon discharge from hospital.”

Gabriella Carafa is a perinatal social worker. She supports women from the pre-pregnancy period to the birth and then through the often difficult first year. She helps them navigate medical challenges and access community supports while processing emotions and complex information.

Just recently, Gabriella helped a young woman who was a recent arrival to Canada. She was a student, had another child at home, and coping with the challenges of having a baby in the NICU.

“She wasn’t coping, she wasn’t sleeping, she wasn’t able to manage school commitments” says Gabriella. “Through counselling I helped her identify her priorities and I put her in touch with different supports in the community. Mostly, I helped her realize that it’s okay to ask for help and gain the confidence she needed.  When I can do that, I know I’ve had a good day at work.”