This past Thursday and Friday, NASW Illinois current board leadership and incoming board membership met in Chicago, IL, first for a leadership training on Thursday and then on Friday for the last NASW Illinois Chapter Board of Directors meeting of the fiscal year. Friday’s meeting competed with the Stanley Cup Champion Chicago Blackhawks’ rally and parade. The board attended to the business of the chapter all day and was not distracted by the celebrations of the close to two million revelers!
Julie Hamos, the newly appointed director of the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (see 4/13/10 blog post) was invited to speak to the chapter leadership in the afternoon. She outlined some of the challenges she faces as the director of the largest of all of the state agencies in Illinois, making up a one-third of the state budget. She also discussed the influx of new people who will be coming into the heathcare system as a result of federal healthcare reform, as well as questioned whether we will have a sufficient workforce to serve this group. The NASW Illinois Chapter Board also discussed the lack of movement regarding the LCSW Medicaid reimbursement issue, which has been a Public Act since August of 2007 yet still lacks a system of billing and reimbursement. Director Hamos indicated a willingness to “reopen the conversation” on the issue and setting up a meeting to do so.
Director Hamos also discussed the nursing home reform issue at length and the Williams v. Quinn consent decree.
Jane Addams Hull House Association, located in Chicago is celebrating the accomplishments of Jane Addams by holding four symposia in a year-long celebration that will culminate in Jane Addams’ 150th Birthday Celebration in September 2010. One of these symposia was held this morning in which the Jane Addams Women of Valor Award was presented.
One of the awardees was Margaret (Marge) Berglind, LCSW, and longtime NASW Illinois Chapter member. Marge is president and CEO of Chicago Care Association of Illinois. The Child Care Association of Illinois (CCAI) promotes, protects, advocates for, and strengthens a responsive, not-for-profit service delivery system and shapes public policies for the benefit of children and families. Marge is true advocate for the member child welfare agencies and articulates the needs and the realities of the child welfare system in the state of Illinois. The keynote speaker at the event was Dr. Creasie Hairston, dean of the University of Illinois Jane Addams College of Social Work.
