Social work month 2025 | va pacific islands health care | veterans affairs

VA Pacific Islands Health Care System (VAPIHCS) has staff in every career path who work hard to serve Veterans. In March, we proudly celebrate National Professional Social Work Month as we

recognize our VA social workers for their profound impact on the lives of Veterans. Social workers have been part of our teams since 1926 and today we have more than 17,000 master’s-prepared

social workers in our workforce. These include professionals providing telehealth, performing homeless outreach, supporting Veterans through mental and physical health crises, and working

in our management and leadership teams. While we are often recognized for training medical providers, we also train more than 1,000 social work students each year. “I started out doing my

training at a VA in Texas,” said Social Work Executive and Licensed Clinic Social Worker Thomas ‘Andy’ Taylor. “I found it really fulfilling working with the Veterans there, and I realized

that I wanted to have a career at VA. I feel lucky to have this opportunity to serve Veterans.” Andy has been a VA employee for 11 years, and as the leader of the VAPIHCS social work team,

it is his job to advocate for the people who advocate for the Veterans. The job of a social worker is different every day. When a case is assigned to them, they must assess the struggles

that the Veteran faces and determine what VA services they are eligible for. If there are gaps in the services that VA can offer, it is the job of the social worker to find State and

community resources that may help bridge the gap so that the Veteran can have all their needs met.  “Health care is more than just a visit to the doctor,” Andy said. “Veterans have better

outcomes if they are fed and housed, and if they are in a situation that is stable and healthy. Social workers on our suicide prevention team, our Veteran homeless team, and in other

positions throughout VAPIHCS are vital resources that directly effect Veterans wellbeing. These are important jobs that save lives and improve outcomes across the board.”  The 2025 theme for

Social Work Month is “Compassion + Action.” As we celebrate this month, let’s focus on thanking our social work staff who do some of the hardest jobs in VA. It is their job to work with

Veterans who are facing challenges; with the end goal of facilitating the improvement of the Veterans life to the point that they are successful and well.  “Social Workers are the unsung

heroes of the VA, dedicating their lives to serving our Veterans and their families with compassion, empathy and dedication,” said Executive Nurse Kathrine Pope. “They step up when others

step back, they raise their hand to help when others turn away- they embody the values of the VA, and deservedly so, there is a month dedicated to celebrating them and all they do.” At VA,

social workers can work with integrated Patient Aligned Care Teams (PACT). This helps facilitate a higher quality of care. Social workers are embedded in all departments to ensure that

Veterans get the care and assistance that they have earned and deserve. This month, thank the social works you work with as we appreciate this diverse population of professionals within

VAPIHCS.  If you are a Veteran who would like to get your care through VAPIHCS, call 1-800-214-1306.