Month: April 2022

Trauma-informed Care in the Age of COVID-19

William C. Gilbert, PhD, LCSW, AADC
Saturday, June 11, 2022Register Now for CE programs now
10 am – 12 pm
2 CECs

$40  – UConn SSW Alumni and Current Field Instructors
$50  – All Others
Webinar link will be emailed when your registration is complete

Trauma affects many of the clients we serve and is the catalyst for many mental illnesses. Now, our country is faced with a new universal stressor: COVID-19. The pandemic has caused the loss of lives, businesses, and has changed the “normal” way of life for many. The trauma experienced because of COVID-19 has created problems on micro, mezzo, and macro levels.

The first hour of this webinar will explore our current understanding of trauma reactions including polyvagal theory and the work of Bessel van de Kolk. The second hour will apply the ideas discussed to the current trauma experienced as result of COVID-19.

By the end of the webinar, participants will be able to:

  • describe the current theories on trauma reactions
  • understand how these theories are applicable to the COVID-19 pandemic to micro, mezzo, and macro systems
  • apply the information shared to your work with clients

Honoring Arab American Heritage Month

From the Office of Dean Heller

Dear Colleagues,

April is Arab American Heritage Month, an opportunity for the School of Social Work and the University to celebrate the cultures and achievements of Arab American communities. Nearly 4 million Arab Americans can trace their roots to 22 countries across the Middle East and North Africa. Despite a history of exclusion, today, Arab Americans reside in all 50 states, representing a wide range of faiths, races, and languages. In 2021, President Joe Biden officially recognized April as National Arab American Heritage Month.

Highlighting this occasion is part of the School of Social Work’s commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism. We stand in staunch opposition to all forms of systemic racism, including policies and practices that oppress our Arab American neighbors. As a school community, we are called to promote teaching, scholarship, and community/professional action that reflects this commitment to justice. The Code of Ethics for our profession emphasizes the inherent dignity and worth of the person, and in that spirit, we will work to ensure a sense of belonging for Arab Americans throughout our school and campus community.

Please join me in commemorating Arab American Heritage Month! Learn more here.

In solidarity,

Nina Rovinelli Heller, PhD
Dean and Professor
Zachs Chair in Social Work