York County proclaims March 2025 Social Work Month, honors local social workers

The York County Board of Commissioners on March 19 read a proclamation recognizing March 2025 as Social Work Month and heard remarks about the role of social workers in the county.

Vice President Commissioner Reed read the proclamation into the record, highlighting the National Association of Social Workers 2025 theme "social work: compassion plus action," and noting social workers' roles across schools, hospitals, veteran centers and government agencies.

Mark Shea, director of the York County Area Agency on Aging, told commissioners that social work is a central part of the agency's services and praised local social workers for addressing mental‑health needs and substance use disorders. "Social workers are on the forefront of helping our nation address the mental health and substance use disorder crisis and chronic income inequity that has led to rising homelessness," Shea said. He also urged support for social workers' well‑being, using an airline oxygen‑mask analogy: professionals must take care of themselves to care for others.

Commissioners and staff thanked social workers employed by county government and by regional nonprofits and health providers. The board encouraged residents to recognize the profession and noted county hiring needs for social workers.

Ending

The proclamation was entered into the meeting record; commissioners and county staff encouraged public recognition of social workers' contributions to community welfare.