Gov. Keating Proclaims March as Social Worker Month

OKLAHOMA CAPITOL --- In 1936, the newly formed Department of Public Welfare sent out the first Social Workers to combat the poverty of the Great Depression in Oklahoma. Since then, Social Workers have tirelessly worked to lift up people in need, strengthen families and help Oklahomans lead safer, healthier, more independent and productive lives.
In recognition of their achievements, Gov. Frank Keating has proclaimed March 2002 as Social Worker Month in Oklahoma.

Through programs like adoption, adult protective services, foster care and disaster food stamps, Social Workers and health and human services professionals touch the lives of one million Oklahomans every year.

In fiscal year 2001, Social Workers added to the betterment of our state with an impressive list of accomplishments, including:

• Extending low-income home energy assistance help to a record 90,403 low-income and fixed income Oklahomans.
  Investigating 54,000 family-based allegations of child abuse and neglect.
• Establishing the state’s first respite network that funds respite care for families caring for their loved ones in their homes.
• Broadened the services offered through the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program by adding literacy, transportation, mental health, substance abuse and domestic violence services.
• Aided the families of 7,438 infants and toddlers through the SoonerStart early intervention program for children with developmental delays.
  
  
  Everyday in communities across Oklahoma, Social Workers with OKDHS, the Health Department, Mental Health and Substance Abuse and private licensed agencies set the standard in public service by reaching out and working for a brighter future.

For more information on OKDHS programs, contact your local county OKDHS office, or click on www.OKDHS.org.

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