At the American Public Health Association (APHA) Annual Meeting and Expo, leaders from the Siemer Institute, a program of the Brookland-Lakeview Empowerment Center (BLEC), presented groundbreaking research highlighting urgent reforms needed to strengthen and sustain the social work profession.
Social work leaders Brenda Armstrong Clark, LMSW, and Theresa Hill, MSW, shared their presentation, “Strengthening the Social Work Workforce: Policy Recommendations for Advancing Health Equity and Community Care,” emphasizing the critical role of social workers in advancing national health equity goals. “The profession has an ongoing commitment to advocacy and transformative change in striving for equitable health care. Social workers, equipped with a holistic, person-centered approach, play a pivotal role in navigating these challenges and integrating social determinants of health into care strategies. Social workers stand at the intersection of health, justice, and community care. Yet the workforce is under strain — limited resources, high caseloads, and policy gaps are preventing professionals from doing their best work”, said Clark.
Between August and September 2025, Clark and Hill surveyed 24 licensed social
workers in urban settings, most with over 10 years of experience. Participants—primarily female and serving in schools, community agencies, and mental health centers— shared perspectives on systemic barriers and workforce challenges.
Findings revealed a strong professional identity and deep commitment to social justice: 19–20 of 24 respondents strongly agreed that their work contributes to human wellbeing and addresses social justice and health disparities. However, many reported burnout, limited institutional support, and administrative burdens.
To address these challenges, Clark and Hill recommended the following policy changes:
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Increase access to affordable housing, healthcare, and transportation.
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Expand funding for social work education, licensure, and continuing training.
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Include social workers in policymaking at local, state, and national levels.
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“Our goal is to use this data to inform policy that strengthens the workforce and
improves the health outcomes of the communities we serve,” said Hill.
The Siemer Institute, a program of the Brookland-Lakeview Empowerment Center, aligns with APHA’s mission to promote health equity through systemic change. Investing in social workers means investing in the health and future of America’s communities.
For more information, please contact Brenda Armstrong Clark at baclark@brookland.cc or Theresa Hill at thill@brookland.cc.
