The President’s Pen

Aloha everyone and Happy New Year! 

I hope you had a wonderful holiday season and looking forward to a great 2006!

As we welcome in the New Year, we also start to prepare for the legislative
session that will begin on January 18^th. 

During the interim between the 2005 session and December NASW met with the Department of Human Resource Development and other stakeholders who were involved with our title protection legislation.

A report of our discussions has been prepared for the Legislators and should be available to the public later this month.

Our Legislative Committee has been working on other legislative issues (see related article in the January NewsLetter).  If you are interested in advocating on these issues, please call the Chapter office. 

As we continue to provide needed services to those who are the most vulnerable some serious threats loom in the horizon.

More than ever, Social Workers will need to advocate and monitor what happens with Medicaid.

Congress has voted to make severe budget cuts to welfare programs and other safety net issues.  Congress is delegating the responsibility to the states on deciding how these cuts will be made up.

Much attention has been focused on Florida and their way of implementing Medicaid.  Simply put, it gives many different choices with caps regarding health care coverage.

Once the caps are met, the person must pay from their own pocket.  My understanding from other colleagues, is that it is extremely confusing and difficult to choose especially for those who have multiple conditions to treat.  It is just as confusing as Medicare Part D. 

They also are looking at stricter guidelines on being eligible for Medicaid programs tougher work requirements. 

Besides the Medicaid issue, our Kanaka Maoli also face some difficult times.

Since the Akaka bill has not been passed or heard as of yet, federal monies for Kanaka Maoli are being restricted.  Therefore, many of the local programs must do its best to fund some vital programs for our Native Hawaiians.  This issue continues to hurt some vital safety net programs.  These are issues which our leaders in Social Work must face in 2006.

Speaking of our social work leaders, there are many changes in the leadership within the Health and Human Services sector.

Recently, several Executive Directors in our nonprofit agencies have or will be leaving their jobs. 

Gerry Marullo at Child and Family Services, Lynn Maunakea at  the Institute of Human Services, May Akamine at Kalihi-Palama Health Center, Stephanie Lainui at Bay Clinics in Hilo, Claire Woods at Salvation Army Family Treatment Services and Victor Geminiani at Legal Aid. 

I am asking those who are Directors and who have been in leadership positions in their agencies to take the time to mentor potential future leaders.

Recently, I have noticed an influx of mainland candidates for these jobs and other Executive Director jobs in the state.  While the best people should be hired for these jobs, it is important to try and train those who are born and raised here.  They have a feeling and commitment to the state and it’s people as well as an understanding of the uniqueness of culture and the vital part culture plays with change and development of programs.

Lastly, we mourn the passing of Mildred Sikkema, our 2005 Social Worker of the Year and a social work pioneer. She had 97 full and active years giving her energy to multi-cultural issues and education.  We were honored to have her with us for such a long time.

As we start 2006, lets celebrate what we have, fight for what others do not have and strive to make our communities and it’s people the best they can be.

Darrin Sato, LSW, QCSW

President

January 2006