WHEREAS, the social work profession is dedicated to enhancing the lives and well-being of all people, including the most vulnerable among us; and

WHEREAS, this year's Social Work Month theme – "Social Work Breaks Barriers" – celebrates the tireless work of social workers to break down barriers that prevent people, families and communities from thriving; and

WHEREAS, social work is one of the fastest growing professions in the United States, with more than 715,000 social workers today and nearly 800,000 professionals expected to be employed as social workers by 2028; and

WHEREAS, social workers are the largest group of providers in the United States who work daily to help people – whether in person or remotely – overcome substance use disorders and mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety; and

WHEREAS, social workers stand ready to provide behavioral health services during times of crisis, including natural disasters such as floods, fires, earthquakes, hurricanes, and pandemics; and

WHEREAS, social workers collaborate with other professions, community groups, lawmakers, civil rights and other organizations to advocate for and advance the rights of women, children, seniors, people of color, Native Americans, LGBTQ people, veterans, and many other cultural, ethnic, and religious groups; and

WHEREAS, social workers provide services in all sectors of our society, including schools, centers for veterans, the military, hospitals and mental health centers, corporations, and local, state, and federal government, meeting people no matter their circumstance, empowering them to live to their fullest potential;

NOW, THEREFORE, be it resolved that I, Janet T. Mills, Governor of the State of Maine, do hereby proclaim the month of March as

Social Work Month

throughout the State of Maine, and I urge all citizens to recognize this observance.

In testimony whereof, I have caused the Great Seal of the State to be hereunto affixed GIVEN under my hand at Augusta this eighth day of February Two Thousand Twenty-Three