Social Workers: Uplift. Defend. Transform

March is Social Work Month, a time to recognize a profession committed to strengthening communities and advancing human dignity. This year’s theme— Uplift. Defend. Transform.—is especially relevant for Iowa.

Across Iowa, families are navigating rising costs, workforce shortages, and limited access to mental health care—especially in rural communities. Iowans face long wait times for behavioral health services. Discrimination against transgender people and people of color is increasing. At the same time, programs that many rely on, including Medicaid, remain vulnerable to policy and funding decisions made at the Capitol.

Social workers are on the front lines of these challenges every day. We work in schools, hospitals, community mental health centers, child welfare agencies, nonprofits, education, and local government. We support veterans, older adults, people with disabilities, children and families, and individuals experiencing mental illness—often stepping in when no other help is available.

With more than 810,000 social workers nationwide, this fast-growing profession plays a critical role in building stronger communities. Yet social workers cannot do this work alone. Policymakers must protect and strengthen Medicaid, invest in mental health services, and support a workforce essential to Iowa’s future.

During Social Work Month, Iowans can urge state leaders to protect Medicaid, invest in mental health services, and support higher education and policies that strengthen the social work workforce. Supporting social work as a profession, means uplifting communities, defending human dignity, and transforming Iowa into a place where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Peggy L. Trosper, MSW, LMSW

West Branch