Social Workers Applaud the Ontario Government for New Funding to Recruit and Retain More Social Workers in Local Communities

TORONTO, Oct. 17, 2016 /CNW/ - The Ontario Association of Social Workers ("OASW") applauds the province for its investment of $22.2 million into community organizations to recruit and retain more non-physician primary health care professionals in local communities, including social workers.

"Social workers play a critical role in the health care system in Ontario," said Joan MacKenzie Davies, Executive Director of the Ontario Association of Social Workers.  "We applaud the government for this new funding which will help ensure local primary care organizations can attract and retain more social workers to help Ontario families."

There are approximately 17,000 Registered Social Workers currently in Ontario and over 60 per cent of them work in the health care system.  A survey by the Ontario College of Family Physicians found that within Family Health Teams, social workers were the third most requested profession after physicians and nurses. 

"Social workers help Ontarians get back on track so they can lead more productive lives," said MacKenzie Davies. "At the same time this critical profession can help lower costs for government by helping people stay out of hospitals by ensuring they get the health and social services they need." 

About the OASW:
OASW is the voice of social workers in Ontario. It is a voluntary, provincial, non-profit association. All practicing members have a university degree in social work at the bachelor's, master's or doctoral level.

SOURCE Ontario Association of Social Workers

Joan MacKenzie Davies, OASW Executive Director, Phone: [phone] ex. 232, Email : [email protected]