Call to Action

Licensed Social Workers Needed to Provide Disaster Assistance in the Aftermath of Sandy

The National Association of Social Workers New York State Chapter (NASW-NYS) is calling on social workers in New York State to volunteer to aid in disaster relief efforts. Hurricane Sandy, the largest Atlantic hurricane on record, hit the east coast of the United States causing particularly severe damage in New York City, Long Island and parts of upstate New York. Severe flooding and sustained high winds resulted in injuries and fatalities, mass evacuations, tens of thousands of New Yorkers being displaced from their homes, and millions of New Yorkers losing power (and in many cases heat) for extended lengths of time.

Social workers poses unique expertise making them well suited to interpret disaster context, advocate for effective services, and provide leadership in essential collaborations among institutions and organizations. The social work profession has a longstanding history of addressing many of the issues people face in the wake of a disaster such as housing, unemployment, restructuring of social systems, and addressing the needs of high-risk populations such as children and low-income persons. Your assistance in impacted areas has the potential to significantly mitigate the adverse impact of Sandy. As such, NASW-NYS is working with the American Red Cross to connect social workers with the following volunteer opportunities:

>American Red Cross LCSWs are needed for immediate deployment to impacted regions of the state for disaster relief assistance including community outreach, supportive work, assessments, and linking individuals with resources. LCSWs are asked to bring a current copy of their social work license registration prior to beginning work.

• To volunteer in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Staten Island, or Queens please contact Diane Ryan, American Red Cross Regional Director of Greater New York at ryand@nyredcross.org. The Red Cross will be holding 3 hour trainings for LCSWs and other allied mental health professionals on Friday November 9 at 5:20pm and the training will be repeated on Wednesday November 14, at 5:20pm. The trainings will be held on West 49th Street between 10th and 11th Avenue (Subway Lines C, E, 1, N, and R).
• To volunteer in Nassau of Suffolk County please contact Heather See, American Red Cross LI Disaster Mental Health Lead via email at Hsee4124@gmail.com
• A free Red Cross Disaster Mental Health Webinar has been scheduled for Friday, November 9, 2012; 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm, Eastern Standard Time (New York, GMT-05:00). For more information or to register please visit the following website: www.socialworkblog.org/practice-and-professional-development/2012/11/red-cross-disaster-mental-health-webinar-scheduled-for-november-9th/

>NYC Emergency Shelters In collaboration with the Speaker of the City Council, Christine Quinn, and City's Department of Homeless Services and Department of Health, a request for LCSWs and LMSWs to volunteer at the emergency shelters around the City has been issued. People at the shelters have a range of needs from mental health and crisis counseling to help coordinating services and benefits that are needed. Staff at the shelters may also need social work support. The greatest need is to cover the overnight shift, which is from 8 PM to 8 AM. To volunteer please call (347) 396-7950.

If you have additional information on volunteer opportunities for unlicensed or licensed master social workers or volunteer opportunities in other impacted regions of the State please contact NASW-NYS Policy Research Associate Brian Belz at (518) 463-4741 Ext. 24 or brian_belz@naswnys.org