NEWS RELEASE

Office of External Communications

Houston, TX 77204-5017 Fax: 713.743.8199

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 20, 2006

Contact: Marisa Ramirez
713.743.8152 (office)
713.204.9798 (cell)
mrcannon@uh.edu

SOCIAL WORK AWARDS AT UH HONOR THOSE WHO HELP, HEAL DURING A DISASTER

As recent history has shown, it’s not if disaster will hit…it’s when. Galveston Mayor Lyda Ann Thomas will discuss “Working Through Disaster: Helping, Healing and Creating Change” at the Sixth Annual Social Work Awards Breakfast hosted and co-sponsored by the University of Houston and the UH Graduate College of Social Work (GCSW). The Awards honor outstanding area social workers for their work in the community.

The event takes place at 8:30 a.m., Friday, March 10 at the UH Hilton.

“Social workers play a critical role when people are at a critical point in their lives,” Amy Blakeney, GCSW manager of continuing education, said. “Social workers provide information, lend expertise and give hope to those whose hope has taken a hit.”

Mayor Thomas was recently honored with the Galvestonian of the Year award from the Galveston Chamber of Commerce because of her work during the preparation and evacuation for Hurricane Rita. The National Association of Social Workers, Texas Branch also honored her at the 2005 Public Elected Official of the Year.

“The month of March is Social Work Month, so this event is an opportunity for area social work organizations to celebrate the outstanding work they have done in the last year, individually and collectively,” Blakeney said.

More than 150 social workers from around the area are expected to attend.

The Social Work Awards Breakfast is a collaboration among area social work organizations such as the UH Graduate College of Social Work, National Association of Black Social Workers, Houston, National Association of Social Workers, Gulf Coast Branch and Houston Branch, Society for Social Work Leadership in Health Care, Texas Chapter, Texas Southern University Social Work Program, UH GCSW Alumni Association, and the UH Clear Lake Social Work Program.

Registration is $40; $25 for students with current ID; and $55 after March 3. Participants can receive 2 CEUs. For more information call 713.743.8143 or ablakeney@uh.edu or to register call 713-743-1060.

WHAT: The Sixth Annual Social Work Awards Breakfast
featuring Galveston Mayor Lyda Ann Thomas
WHEN: Friday, March 10
Registration: 7:45 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.
Program: 8:30 a.m. to noon
WHERE: UH-Hilton
For directions and parking information, please visit www.uh.edu/campus_map/buildings/CHC.html
WHO: UH Graduate College of Social Work

For more information about UH visit the university’s ‘Newsroom’ at www.uh.edu/admin/media/newsroom.