Linda Gammage Social Work Conference Great Success
by Member and Community Relations Team

Forty-five social workers from around the country convened in New Orleans, Louisiana for the 26th annual Linda Gammage Social Work Conference. The conference this year was a rewarding and inspiring experience for all.

The education provided was focused specifically on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Sonjhia Lowery, CEO and founder of Just SCORE Inc. led the group through a journey towards culturally proficient advocacy and inclusive patient care by focusing on systemic issues in our health care system, challenging our own beliefs/values, and providing concrete skills for addressing microaggressions and racism within the systems in which we live and work. The speaker was dynamic and knowledgeable; all the attendees were left with a deeper understanding of diverse communities and an improved ability to provide culturally sensitive support and equitable care, and to foster justice and inclusivity in health care. The group expressed a commitment to applying the principles learned in their treatment center and within their lives with a planned 3-month check-in.

The following day, the group took a tour of Historic New Orleans by bus. The tour focused on New Orleans as a center for activism during the civil rights movement, and attendees experienced a comprehensive and immersive experience of culture and history. It was a concrete way to bring home the DEI concepts learned from Sonjhia Lowery.

The Linda Gammage Social Work Planning Committee and the social work attendees would like to extend a special thank you to CSL Behring for the support of this conference since its inception in 1997. This conference has always been meaningful and impactful on psychosocial practice and care.