TODAY news - Mar 20, 2003

Thursday, March 20, 2003 TODAY

Loma Linda University Medical Center news

Capturing the power of social work: preserving rights, and strengthening voices

Editor's note—this article was written by the following individuals: Chris Neighbors, MSW, LCSW, director, department of social work, LLUMC, has 25 years of experience, specializing in medical social work. She is an adjunct assistant professor of social work at LLU.

G. Victoria Jackson, MSW, LCSW, community education coordinator and assistant professor, department of social work, LLU, has more than 35 exciting and rewarding years in the field of social work.

Each March the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) celebrates Social Work Month. During March, the work of more than half a million dedicated professional social workers is recognized throughout the world. Whereas social workers are widely recognized as the protectors of children, this is not their only role.

Social workers function in many settings and provide a broad scope of services. Some of these settings include but are not limited to: mental health, health care, education, disaster relief, community organization, employee assistance, private practice, consultation, domestic violence, child welfare, social welfare, adoption, foster care, research, program development, and legislative advocacy. Culturally diverse populations of people find the need for social workers thoughout the world.

Some examples of the services provided by professional social workers include psychotherapy, individual and group education, family preservation counseling, military and veteran psychosocial needs, foster care placement, adoption, home health services, conflict mediation, and school counseling programs.

Professional social workers run battered women shelters, public housing projects, runaway shelters, homeless shelters and advocate services for the disabled. Social workers are rich in resource coordination and serve as a vital member of

multidisciplinary teams.

Our society faces turbulent times: terrorism, family violence, child abuse, economic downturns, and now war. These current events suggest that people everywhere face growing challenges that threaten not only the realization of their fullest potential, but also their ability to survive. In a time of terror, trauma, and trouble, there is a need for professionals who can make a difference in how people cope with life stresses, ultimately shaping their lives and environment across their life span.

Social work is one of the major helping professions uniquely designed to intervene in the complex problems of today. Social work, a knowledge- and value-based profession, is firmly rooted in a religious heritage and early tradition which complements our University's mission--to make man whole.

NASW describes social work as "the professional activity of helping individuals, groups, or communities to enhance or restore their capacity for social functioning and to create societal conditions favorable to their goals." NASW estimates that there are 300,000 social workers in the United States.

As our population ages and baby boomers retire, we find a growing need for more social workers. Why is this so? The baby boomers are the largest group of people in the United States today. As baby boomers, retire, the need for comprehensive gerontology services expand. Many social workers specializing in this field are diligently legislating for these soon-to-be elders, and are currently developing programs designed to fit their needs.

Language differences can affect populations as well. A refugee from war-torn Bosnia doesn't understand English and faces many potential dangers from his or her inability to access the system. A culturally competent social worker connects the refugee with a range of social services.

The social worker also introduces him or her to other Bosnians who have had similar experiences through participation in a self-help refugee support group. This group can provide added support. The social worker is aware of such resources often because of additional culturally sensitive training.

In the area of international adoptions, social workers trained in cultural competence can help parents understand the adopted child's cultural heritage and create culturally-enriched activities for the child. Additionally, this dimension can foster a stronger sense of identity in the youngster, making the adoptive experience a smoother one for both parents and child.

Loma Linda University utilizes its social workers in the health sector. According to Chris Neighbors, MSW, LCSW, director, department of social work, LLUMC, Loma Linda University Medical Center employs 32 full time, 6 part-time professional social workers, and 11 master in social work interns. These hard-

working professionals have a master's degree in social work (MSW). Some of the MSWs are licensed clinical social workers (LCSW). They are licensed through the California State Board of behavioral sciences and are able to practice privately. Others either have or are working on their doctorate degree in social work (DSW) or related field. Each one of our social workers specializes in the field, bringing with them a wealth of education, experience, and understanding of humanity.

One will find social workers in units throughout LLUMC, LLUCH, LLU Community Medical Center, and the Behavioral Medicine Center. The LLU department of social work offers an array of programs including a case management certificate, the master's degree in social work, and a doctorate degree in social policy and research. Currently, the department of social work is developing a doctorate degree in clinical social work as well.

The Good Samaritan text, Luke 10, is a reminder of a social worker's obligation to others. Please celebrate with social workers this month as they continue to fulfill this year's social work month theme—to preserve rights and strengthen voices. The strengthening voices refers to empowering the under-represented populations.

There is a "goodness of fit" between social work and Loma Linda University's mission of wholeness as both entities seek to enhance people's lives in their social environment. The Christian social worker carries out the mission of the University while engaging in professional activities.

This profession provides opportunities for fascinating, flexible, rewarding work. For more information about the field, visit the social work department in Griggs Hall, Room 103, or call (909) 558-8550, or extension 88550.

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LLUAHSC vice president of public affairs reflects on social work

Social workers from both Loma Linda University and Loma Linda University Medical Center gather to celebrate National Professional Social Workers Month of March.

The high standards across the board in Loma Linda University’s social work program is no wonder to W. Augustus Cheatham, MSW, vice president of public affairs for Loma Linda University Adventist Health Sciences Center.

Graduate students from the program have reflected a high passing percentage on the California State licensing exam for both the written and oral exams.

" They are a very secure, focused, and competent group," says Mr. Cheatham. "I can see why the students do well.

" Here at Loma Linda I’ve always been honored by the program, and I’ve always used MSW as part of my ID," remarks Mr. Cheatham. "They’ve done well with the program. I’m very proud that they launched it."

Mr. Cheatham feels a special sense of pride that LLU has a school of social work. A graduate of Howard University in Maryland, Mr. Cheatham completed a two-year MSW program before moving into administration.

The University isn’t the only place one will find social workers, but the Medical Center as well. "Our social workers have a seriously professional approach to their field," beams Mr. Cheatham of the caliber of individuals who staff the Medical Center. "I’ve always had a positive experience when I’ve interacted with them."

Mr. Cheatham, who has worked with the Federal Government in administrative roles, says he feels the listening and inquiring that is required in social work prepared him for his successes.

" The social work skills I matured at Howard were very helpful," smiles Mr. Cheatham. "I’ve always felt that any successes I’ve had were significantly made possible by the skills sharpened and developed in social work."

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Three-time liver transplant recipient spreads social work influence

Richard Darling, DDS, received three liver transplants at Loma Linda University Medical Center between 1998 and 2001. The social work department helped him deal with his disease in a positive way.

Richard Darling, DDS, has received three leases on life. He contracted hepatitis C from a tainted blood infusion in 1972 after a car accident in San Francisco. This led to cirrhosis and cancer of the liver, diabetes, three liver transplant operations, a coma, and a heart attack.

Dr. Darling had ample opportunity to give up on life and let depression take over. But thanks in large part to the ever present help of his wife and caregiver, Kress, and some fundamental principles taught by the social work department at Loma Linda University Medical Center, he's taken full advantage of his new life.

" I thank God every day for every day," says Dr. Darling. "I was scheduled to die in 1998," he recalls. The hepatitis C virus caused cirrhosis of his liver, and by September of 1998, Dr. Darling developed liver cancer as well. At the time, the government hadn't allowed transplants for patients with liver cancer. Death was imminent.

Fortunately, the government changed its policy, and Dr. Darling got his first liver transplant. And if it seemed too good to be true, it was. The liver did not work well and after passing into a week-long coma, he needed a second transplant. This liver lasted three years before it failed and a third transplant was needed.

"When I heard I had to have a third transplant, I got despondant," recalls Dr. Darling. "I couldn't believe I had to go through this again."

But within 10 days of keeping what Dr. Darling calls a "grateful journal," something he learned from the social work support group where he records five things he is thankful for each day, his whole attitude had changed. "I began focusing on the positive things in my life instead of the negative.

" The value of social work has changed my life," smiles Dr. Darling. "If I was younger and my body a bit more durable, I'd be back at school taking classes to get my MSW."

During his time on the waiting list and his recovery after his second transplant, Dr. Darling attended support group meetings led by Chris Neighbors, MSW, LCSW, director of the department of social work, then social worker for the Transplantation Institute. In these sessions Dr. Darling was amazed at how the social workers passed on a positive attitude, provided hope, and helped educate patients.

" Under Chris Neighbors' tutelage, I learned to appreciate the value of social work: how to uplift patients' spirits, instill hope, and educate that one must deal with their illness with a positive and grateful-to-God-for-each-day-of-life approach," he says.

" Social work has enriched my life by enabling me to help patients, both in group and in unit 4100 at the bedside."

Dr. Darling takes time every Tuesday to come visit with patients on the 4100 unit awaiting liver transplant. He explains in detail what they can expect in the operating room, from the temperature to the smells and sounds, as well as what it will be like after the transplant. He views it as part of his social work mission to give back by educating patients on everything.

Dr. Darling shares his motto that "with knowledge there is no fear" with those facing liver transplant. "That's what social work did for me," he emphasizes. "The social workers educated me and gave me a helping hand."

And he always finishes by reassuring patients that they are in good hands at Loma Linda, home of the best physicians, nurses, and support staff anywhere, according to Dr. Darling.

" The staff here at Loma Linda do such miracles, I tell the patients they will be fine," says Dr. Darling. "God has given me life three times here at Loma Linda, and I believe that."

Not only did the power of social work help Dr. Darling as a patient and shape his mission for giving back after his transplants, it showed him how wide spread the effects of social work can be.

" With appreciation of a person, their wings grow and blossom," says Dr. Darling. He discovered that social work includes family and loved ones as well as the patient.

Through the influence social work had on him, Dr. Darling began his own support group for those suffering from hepatitis C and liver disease in the Coachella Valley, where he lives. The group meets every Monday at 11:00 a.m. in the Portola Community Center, located at 45480 Portola Ave in Palm Desert. The group strives to provide support, promote education, generate awareness, and advocate quality medical care for all people with liver disease in the Coachella Valley area.

In addition to the support group, he gives speeches to high schools educating on organ donation. He explains that each person can save up to eight lives. He also sets up an organ donor booth every weekend at the West Field Shopping Town in Palm Desert.

" I feel those endeavors are a continuing part of my social work, to spread the word in the community and try to save lives that way," says Dr. Darling.

In addition, Dr. Darling wrote ComaLife, a book describing his life during the week-long coma he was thrown into after his first liver transplant. The book offers hope and peace of mind to those facing liver transplant and to those whose loved one is in a coma. By detailing the surreal life he led while comatose, Dr. Darling is able to assure caregivers that their efforts aren't in vain. He encourages communication with the patient, even if there is no obvious response.

ComaLife's profits are dedicated to the LLUMC Transplantation Institute and to the promotion of organ donation for the Institute. ComaLife is now in stock in the Gift Shop and the Bookstore. LLUMC and its physicians, nurses, and support staff are extensively acknowledged in ComaLife, and has already uplifted the spirits and given hope to many LLUMC patients and caregivers who have been trying to occupy idle time.

" The book provides hope," says Dr. Darling. It is part of his on-going mission to help give back to others what social work gave to him. "Social work can remove the fear and trepidation for patients," remarks Dr. Darling.

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Thursday, March 20, 2003 TODAY