The Ohio Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers has named Pam Patton of Strasburg as Ohio Social Worker of the Year. Patton is a medical social worker for Union Hospital?s Home Health Care Department. The award is annually presented to a member who has made exemplary contributions in client advocacy, leadership, positive patient outcomes, and public perception of the profession.
Pam Patton, Ohio Social Worker
of the Year.
?Pam was selected due to her unparalleled dedication to the Ohio Chapter,? said Danielle Smith, NASW Services Coordinator. ?The award honors a member of the NASW/Ohio Chapter who exemplifies the best of the profession?s values and achievements through specific accomplishments.?
Patton works with hospitalized patients to plan their at-home medical care following discharge from the hospital and connects patients with the resources they need in order to adjust to long-term illness or injury. She?s been employed at UH Home Health Care since 2003.
?It?s pretty humbling,? said Patton of receiving the award. ?For me, it?s just part of my everyday job. It?s just who I am. There are a lot of deserving people out there ? more deserving than I.?
Debbie Albaugh, director of Union Hospital Home Health, disagreed. ?We are all thrilled for Pam to be named Ohio Social Worker of the Year and are not at all surprised,? she said. ?Pam consistently exhibits integrity, caring, and advocacy that are a true credit, not only to her as an individual, but to the social work profession.?
?It is rewarding to be able to advocate on behalf of those who may not able to advocate for themselves? said Patton. ?I really enjoy what I do.?
Patton is a Licensed Independent Social Worker-Supervisor and earned her master?s degree in social work from Ohio State University. She is a member of the Academy of Certified Social Workers and is certified in Advanced Case Management. She currently serves as a delegate in Delegate Assembly and as Political Action for Candidate Election committee representative for Region 8, which includes Ashland, Coshocton, Crawford, Holmes, Knox, Marion, Morrow, Richland, Stark, Tuscarawas and Wayne Counties.
Patton now qualifies for consideration as National Social Worker of the Year, the award winner to be named next spring at the NASW national conference.
# # #
