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Help, hope starts with social workers by Carol L. Jaskunas, LISW (clinical practice) Hospital Social Worker Receiving the diagnosis of an illness can be a confusing time for anyone. Will I be able to handle the treatment? How will I balance my care needs with the needs of my family? How will this affect my job? Who will help me figure out all of this?   This year’s National Social Work Month theme, Hope and Health: Help Starts Here, is the answer to many of these questions. Social workers have the right education and training to help patients navigate the confusing world of health options. More than just treating the physical effects of an illness, social workers are aware of the other psychosocial issues that play into the client’s treatment and recovery and help them overcome those barriers to receive the best health care.   “I have always been struck at how creative and resourceful social workers can be when assisting patients with the myriad of issues that can happen during an acute episode of care,” said Mary-Eliese Merrill, director of MUSC Clinical Effectiveness. “I feel privileged to be able to work with the knowledgeable and creative social workers here at MUSC.”   On March 1, Ray Greenberg, M.D., Ph.D., MUSC president, signed a proclamation recognizing March as Professional Social Work Month. As  integral members of interdisciplinary teams, working closely with doctors, nurses and other medical professionals, MUSC social workers in the outpatient clinics, Adult and Children’s Hospital and Institute of Psychiatry act as advocates for  patients’ needs and guide them in making decisions about their care.   For information, call the Center for Clinical Effectiveness 792-9535 or visit http://www.musc.edu/qn/clineffectiveness/socialwork/index.htm.     Friday, March 2, 2007 Catalyst Online is published weekly, updated as needed and improved from time to time by the MUSC Office of Public Relations for the faculty, employees and students of the Medical University of South Carolina. Catalyst Online editor, Kim Draughn, can be reached at 792-4107 or by email, catalyst@musc.edu. Editorial copy can be submitted to Catalyst Online and to The Catalyst in print by fax, 792-6723, or by email to catalyst@musc.edu. To place an ad in The Catalyst hardcopy, call Island Publications at 849-1778, ext. 201.