Purpose
The Public Health Social Work Section was established as a unit within the American Public Health Association (APHA) in 1970 to provide a vehicle for section members to coalesce within the Association. The purpose of the Section is to identify, investigate, and remediate issues of importance to the social work profession, the health and well-being of the public, and the adoption of strategies based on our mission. Additionally, the Section plans its annual scientific program and provides professional networking, career development, and mentoring.
Our priorities for 2023:
- Strengthen the Public Health Social Work Section by fully engaging our members and partners.
- Successfully implement education and advocacy efforts.
- Identify, support and mentor Section leaders and members who can help partners make positive, supportive and equitable program and policy decisions.
- Strengthen collaborations with national social work and behavioral health partners.
- Promote and distribute culturally relevant, research-based resources, publications, tools, curricula and other communications through social media and other channels.
- Successfully implement policy development and advocacy efforts.