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Graduate College of Social Work

News & Events

GCSW in the News

Associate Professors Samira Ali, McClain Sampson, and Sarah Narendorf were recognized this year for the Grant Awards they received for their projects, centers, and initiatives. 
October 26, 2021
 
Associate Professor McClain Sampson has received a $1.9 million grant to train more social work and counseling psychology clinicians to deliver culturally competent behavioral health services in medical settings, addressing a critical statewide shortage of mental health professionals through the GLOBE program. 
August 12, 2021
 
Eleven national LGBTQ and HIV/AIDS organizations including SUSTAIN Wellbeing COMPASS Coordinating Center's Director/Assistant Professor Samira Ali and PhD Candidate Bec Sokha Keo signed an open letter to rapper DaBaby in the wake of recent homophobic statements and awkward attempts at apologies, requesting a private meeting to discuss the facts about HIV and how it is a preventable and treatable condition. READ the open letter via Variety, THR, USA Today, Out Magazine, and Rolling Stone. 
August 4, 2021
 
Assistant Professor Sharon Borja leads a Health Affairs published research study with Associate Professor Jodi Berger Cardoso and PhD Candidate Natalia Girlardo Santiago looking into health care for U.S. citizen children who live south of the border. LISTEN to the podcast. READ the feature by the University of Houston.
July 27, 2021
 
Led by Assistant Professor Samira Ali, the SUSTAIN Wellbeing COMPASS Coordinating Center has received $2.9 million to combat the spread of HIV in the South as part of the new phase of funding for the Gilead COMPASS Initiative®.
July 15, 2021

Assistant Professor Quenette Walton, principal investigator and lead author of a study published in Child & Youth Care Forum, evaluated and identified effective strategies that can be used by health care professionals to improve mental health outcomes among low-income communities. 
July 3, 2021
 
Professor Robin Gearing and his team are conducting research to better understand the stigma of receiving mental health assistance within the Jewish community of Houston.  
May 30, 2021
 
Assistant Professor Juan Barthelemy and Professor Robin Gearing are collaborating with the Fort Bend County Behavior Health Services to reduce those that have mental health or substance abuse problems from justice system involvement. 
May 29, 2021
 
Houston Public Media: UH Moment
Associate Professor McClain Sampson was featured as part of HPM's UH Moment highlighting her work to combat infant and maternal mortality rates in Houston as part of UH Healthy Start Initiative.
May 28, 2021
 
The Cougar: Feminist Writer Talks Social Work at Virtual Event
Feminist writer, public speaker, and community activist Feminista Jones answered questions about mental health and the experiences that families go through as part of the GCSW's Eyes On Abolition series. 
April 2, 2021
 
Harvard Political Review: From the Border, into Foster Care
Associate Professor Jodi Berger Cardoso is featured in this article exploring the crisis at the southern border and the issues of migrant children being sponsored into the U.S. foster care system. 
March 19, 2021

UH Healthy Start Initiative Entered the Healthy Start Family in 2019 
Associate Professor and Principal Investigator of the UH Healthy Start Initiative, Dr. McClain Sampson, and Program Manager Eulalia Gillum are interviewed about the largest program in Houston designed to explicitly address these longstanding perinatal health disparities. 
March 1, 2021
 
Indo American News: UH Receives $5 Million To Combat HIV/AIDS
Assistant Professor and Director of the SUSTAIN Wellbeing COMPASS Coordinating Center Samira Ali was recently awarded $5 million from Gilead Sciences to continue their work in combatting the challenges in treating and addressing HIV/AIDS in the south.
February 24, 2021

Houston Chronicle: UH Gets $5 Million To Combat HIV/AIDS Epidemic in the South
Assistant Professor and Director of the SUSTAIN Wellbeing COMPASS Coordinating Center Samira Ali was recently awarded $5 million from Gilead Sciences to continue their work in combatting the challenges in treating and addressing HIV/AIDS in the south.
February 24, 2021

NBC: Study Finds Latino Students Live In Fear Even When Deportations Are Low
Associate Professor Jodi Berger Cardoso co-authored a recent study that found that students in Rhode Island and Texas experience a heightened sense of anxiety and other mental health issues when immigration policies are negative and strongly enforced. 
September 1, 2020
 
Associate Professor Jodi Berger Cardoso worked on a recent report that surveyed the effects of anti-immigration rhetoric on Latino high school students.
September 1, 2020

SOCIAL RESPONSE: UH Graduate College Social Work Launches Mask Drive
Graduate College of Social Work alumni, faculty, and staff launch mask drive creating and delivering hundreds of masks to Houston Agencies and Social Workers.  
April 29, 2020

Donna Amstberg, Clinical Assistant Professor Director, Trauma Education Program discusses the effects of social isolation on families and the need for more resources in Texas.
April 28, 2020

Donna Amstberg, Clinical Assistant Professor Director, Trauma Education Program shares how Stay-at-home orders that keep families in close confinement can increase tensions in even the most harmonious relationships.
April 7, 2020
 
Here's What to do if You're Stuck with an Abuser: Isaiah Factor Uncensored FOX 26 News
Watch Alum Chau Nguyen (MSW '10) sat down with Isaiah Carey to discuss a few tips to have in mind if you need to flee a domestic violence situation quickly.
April 3, 2020
 
Need for Support Groups During COVID-19 Outbreak
Watch Alum Liza Barros Lane (PhD ’18) Assistant Professor of Social Work, UHD talk to FOX 26 Houston about Solidarity Circles, a support group to help community members connect with each other and cope with the extraordinary circumstances surrounding COVID-19. The project was created by faculty and students at University of Houston-Downtown's Social Work Program.
April 3, 2020
 
Brené Brown: The 60 Minutes Interview
Brené Brown, the Huffington Foundation Endowed Chair in the Graduate College of Social Work sat down with Bill Withacre of 60 Minutes to discuss the success of her books, online lectures, her newly launched podcast and why people should not associate vulnerability with weakness.
March 29, 2020
 
How are we Protecting the Jail Population from Coronavirus?: The Isiah Factor Uncensored FOX 26
Dean Alan Dettlaff recently discussed the need to protect the Harris County Jail population from a COVID-19 outbreak by releasing inmates and suspending arrests in non-violent crimes. 
March 26, 2020
 
Coronavirus Will Hit Houston Jails Hard Unless We Release Low-Risk Inmates and Suspend Arrests of Nonviolent Offenders [Opinion]
Dean Alan Dettlaff recently published opinion piece in the Houston Chronicle calls for action from state and local officials to save the lives of vulnerable prison populations as the spread of coronavirus worsens.
March 25, 2020
 
Using the Arts to Help Formerly Incarcerated Black Men Succeed
Formerly incarcerated black men enrolled in an alternative school with arts-based programming — writing, poetry, music — showed healthier social and emotional development and higher academic achievement as they transitioned to adulthood, according to research from assistant professor Charles Lea.
December 05, 2019
 
Reflecting on Photos Helps Young Cancer Survivors Regain Confidence
In a recently published study in the Journal of Adolescent and Young Adult Oncology, co-author and assistant professor Chiara Acquati found that based off her research, survivors who retell their story through photography can significantly increase their self-esteem and self-efficacy.
December 2, 2019
 
UH Healthy Start: Isaiah Factor Uncensored FOX 26 News
McClain Sampson, associate professor and project director of the UH Healthy Start program, and other members of the community sat down with Isaiah Carey to discuss the presence of implicit bias within the health care community and how it has caused the rise in maternal and infant mortality among minority groups.
October 8, 2019
 
New Lobby and Entry Pavilion Highlights Major Construction Project; Groundbreaking Ceremony on October 3.
September 30, 2019
 
The University of Houston's GCSW Kicks Off Renovation Project
The University of Houston's Graduate School of Social Work is undergoing a $3.9 million renovation. The improvements will redo the entire first floor of the GCSW building and create a new lobby and new entry pavilion. 
September 30, 2019
 
Co-Founder of Black Lives Matter Movement to Speak at UH 
Best-Selling Author Patrisse Cullors to Deliver Keynote Address.
September 24, 2019
 
Study: Need for Culturally Sensitive Care
Assistant Professor Christian Miyawaki recently presented the collaborative, international study of Japanese and Japanese American seniors. The study was a response to the loss of a long-term senior care facility that resulted in over 100 mono-lingual Japansese without a home. The results came along with a 10-year proposal to rebuild a new non-profit facility.
September 12, 2019
 
UH Healthy Start: KPRC Channel 2 Houston Newsmakers
McClain Sampson, associate professor and project director of the UH Healthy Start program, and Eulalia Gillum, program director of Health Start, recently sat down with Khambrel Marshall to discuss the rise in maternal and infant mortality among minority groups. Interview begins at 8:09 mark.  
September 8, 2019
 
Gilead Science COMPASS Initiative Accepting Transformative Grant Applications from Organizations Fighting HIV in the South
Samira Ali, assistant professor at the University of Houston Graduate College of Social Work, received a $5 million grant in 2017 to establish the SUSTAIN (Supporting U.S. Southern States to Incorporate Trauma-Informed HIV/AIDS Initiatives for Wellbeing) Center, one of three coordinating centers created to identify and provide funding to local organizations to address the epidemic throughout the region. 
September 5, 2019
 
Addresing the Changing Face of Mental/Behavioral Health Care 
UH was recently awarded a $500,000 Minority Health Research and Education Grant and GCSW Professor Luis Torres is collaboratively leading with other UH healthcare experts to help address the needs of economically disadvantaged ethnic minorities by helping establish an interprofessional education-focused, integrated behavioral health/primary clinic at UH. 
August 8, 2019
 
Several Arrests made as people protest outside Southwest Detention Key Center
Fox 26 News spoke with GCSW alumna and adjunct professor, Elizabeth Haberer, on-camera about the recent protest she helped organize in front of the Key Detention Center to protest the living conditions of refugee children and families. 
August 12, 2019
 
Elizabeth Haberer, GCSW alumna and adjuct professor, gave comments to The Houston Chronicle about the rally that brought together 115 participants to peacefully protest front of the Key Detention Center--at least six protesters had been arrested.
August 12, 2019

KHOU 2 Houston spoke with GCSW alumna and adjuct professor, Elizabeth Haberer, to give comments about the 100-people rally that she co-organized with Never Again (Houston).
August 12, 2019

GCSW Student Spotlight: "Story Catcher: The Power of Reminiscing"
Theresa Chrisman, a Ph.D. candidate, helps Houston nursing home residents capture their own legacies, showing them and their caretakers the power of reminiscing. It's part of her mission to give a voice to the voiceless.
July 25, 2019
 
Jody Williams, Nobel Peace Prize Laureate and the GCSW Sam and Cele Keeper Endowed Professor in Peace and Social Justice, co-wrote an opinion piece with fellow Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, Shirin Ebadi. The piece was featured in the New York Times and focused on how to combat the escalating tensions with Iran.
July 8, 2019
 
Members of the GCSW offer support after Hurricane Michael
Jan Leger, Lecturer and Director of Academic Affairs, coordinated a donation drive for the FSU College of Social Work, particularly those at the FSU Panama City campus that were particularly affected by the hurricane. 
December 18, 2018

COMPASS Initiative® Funds 32 Organizations to Transform the HIV Epidemic in the South
In recognition of the 30th anniversary of World AIDS Day and in support of the united efforts to address HIV/AIDS-related disparities in the Southern United States, the three Coordinating Centers of the Gilead COMPASS Initiative®- announced the 32 recipients of their 2019 Transformative Grant.
November 30, 2018

UH GCSW Makes Effort to Get Out the Vote
University of Houston’s Graduate College of Social Work recently held a National Voter Registration Day event seeking to drive more college students to the polls.
October 05, 2019

UH Empowers Citizens with Voter Engagement & Political Justice Initiative 
The GCSW Voter Engagement and Political Justice Initiative is partnering with Houston-area community organizations that focus on non-partisan voter engagement with marginalized minority communities to make sure everyone’s voice is heard in the November midterm elections.
October 05, 2018

Dr. Suzanne Pritzker Discusses Voter Engagement on Fox News
Watch the video of Dr. Pritzker on the news using the above link, and learn more about the GCSW's Voter Engagement and Political Justice Initiative here!
October 05, 2018

Isiah Factor Uncensored
Dean Alan Detrlaff and Jean Latting, Professor Emerita at the GCSW discuss A Conversation on Race and Privilege, a Social Justice Solutions event hosted at the GCSW featuring Angela Davis and Jane Elliott.
September 07, 2018

A Conversation on Race and Privilege with Angela Davis and Jane Elliott
Social Justice Solutions invites  activists , thought leaders, and the community, to explore action-oriented strategies to affect social change. 
September 06, 2018

Examining Mental Health Among Marginalized Young Adults
Dr. Sarah Narendorf and other researchers study the value of mental health narratives.
May 30, 2018

Dr. Samira Ali: The Battle Rejoined
On World AIDS Day, two nonprofits announce a bold new partnership with a UH scholar to help render the still-epidemic virus 'undetectable' in Houston once and for all.
November 17, 2017

Dr. McClain Sampson: Addressing Shortage of Behavioral Health Workers
GLOBE-Team Training to Help Fill Gap in Workforce
November 9, 2017

Dr. Samira Ali: Project CORE Tackles HIV Treatment & Prevention r. EXAMPLE: Headline
Collaboration between Avenue 360, AIDS Foundation Houston and UH Graduate College of Social Work will develop a “Southern Approach” to HIV servicesSubheadline
October 13, 2017

Professor Aabha Brown: Social justice concerns following Hurricane Harvey
In this segment of Viva Houston, Aabha Brown, a professor at the Graduate College of Social Work at the University of Houston, explains how low-income communities were particularly hit hard by Hurricane Harvey.
October 10, 2017

Maconda Brown O'Connor: Hosts "Evicted" Author, Matthew Desmond
A sociologist by training, Desmond shared about the research methodology that became the basis for the book.
October 9, 2017

Dr. Mickey Washburn: Opioid An American Epidemic (50:19)
HOUSTON - Opioid abuse is a growing crisis in America and KPRC Channel 2 is doing its part to raise awareness with our special, "Opioid Nation: An American Epidemic."
October 6, 2017

Dr. Luis Torres: Houstonians Stepping Up To Help Recovery Efforts In Puerto Rico
Just weeks before Hurricane Maria hit Puerto Rico, there was Harvey here in Houston. Is this a two-fold crisis for family and friends, dealing with both Harvey and Maria? We talk with Houstonians who say they’re worried about their family and friends there as the island begins to recover.
September 26, 2017

Dr. Suzanne Pritzker is interviewed about Hurricane Harvey
Dr. Prizker shares her family's personal story about Harvey, including her new GCSW students helping out at her home.
September 1, 2017  

Professor Donna Amtsberg: The Pros & Cons of Corporal Punishment 
A state lawmaker explains why he’s in favor of corporal punishment, and a sociologist explains why she’s against it.
August 1, 2017

MSW Student Justin Anderson wins a prestigious 2017 Ima Hogg Scholarship
Recipients are selected on the basis of academic achievement and their commitment to providing mental health services after graduation.
July 19, 2017

Professor Emerita Jean Latting: UH Magazine Profile 
Jean Kantambu Latting seldom shied away from speaking about issues that are dear to her, such as social justice, peace-building and empowerment, during her 37 years at the University of Houston Graduate College of Social Work (GCSW).
May 22, 2017

Dr. Patrick Leung: Asian Advisory Committee annual celebration
The Asian-Pacific American Heritage Celebration featured performances, awards, and the traditional dragon dance.
May 5, 2017

Student LGBT Activists Rally at UH to Condemn Host of "Religious Freedom" Bills
LGBT students and allies held rallies across Texas asking conservative lawmakers to stop pushing laws that give Texans the right to discriminate, in the name of religion, against a whole group of already-vulnerable people.
April 26, 2017

Dr. Sarah Narendorf: The Surprising Issue Uniting Left and Right in Texas
Because mental health affects so many segments of our daily lives … it is absolutely one of the most critical areas of concern facing Texas today.
April 18, 2017

Dr. Sarah Narendorf: Leads Research on Youth Homelessness
Social work team leads research on youth homelessness
April 11, 2017

Dr. Suzanne Pritzker: UH Turned Blue in 2016 Election
April 5, 2017

Professor Jody Williams: Nobel Laureate Speaks at Peacemaker Awards
April 3, 2017

Professor Jody Williams: Urging Detroit Crowd to ‘Never Give Up’
April 2, 2017

Dr. Sheara Williams Jennings: HYPE 2.0 Engages Students in Sexual Health Education & More

Dr. Sarah Narendorf: UH Moment – Youth Homelessness:
Study on Youth Homelessness for Texas Legislators
March 8, 2017

Dr. McClain Sampson: Intervention Helping New Moms Battle Postpartum Depression
February 28, 2017

Dr. Sarah Narendorf: More than a Runaway Problem: UH Researcher Tackles Youth Homelessness
Graduate College of Social Work Offers Solutions to Growing Texas Concern
February 20, 2017

Message From the Dean: Standing Together in the Face of Uncertainty
In these times, we must lean even more on the value of our profession, They serve as a guide and a constant reminder to respect the inherent human difnity and worth of all people.
February 06, 2017

Alum Dawn McCarty Featured in the Houston Chronicle
Professor's dedication extends to living with the poor and homeless
February 5, 2017

Message from the Dean 
Standing Together in the Face of Uncertainty 
January 2017

Dean Dettlaff: Honored at UHD Social Work Awards Ceremony along with Mayor Turner
January 26, 2017

Dr. Patrick Leung: Caring for elders at home
Emotional costs, balance of support, and other tips from an expert
January 25, 2017