Presentation Information Panel Discussion III—Social Worker in the COVID Environment Impact of Social Isolation and Loneliness on Vulnerable Populations: Ethical Considerations Kelly Smith, MSW, LCSW, Doctor of Social Work Student, Kutztown University of Pennsylvania This brief presentation will review current literature on social isolation and loneliness among vulnerable populations with a focus on the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. The presenter will discuss the impact social isolation and loneliness has on mental, emotional and physical health with particular attention on elderly in rural areas. Special emphasis will be placed on the ethical implications that social workers who serve vulnerable populations experienced. COVID and Intimate Partner Violence Tammy Shay, LCSW, CAADC, Doctor of Social Work Student, Kutztown University of Pennsylvania In the United States, about 1 in 4 women and 1 in 10 men report experiencing IPV. Veterans may be at higher risk, with some studies finding rates up to 70% among women Veterans receiving health care in VA. For individuals experiencing IPV, any disruption to normal life or access to services can mean increased potential for harm. This often occurs during natural disasters or human-based disasters, such as fires, chemical spills, and mass violence. It is crucial to consider how the spread of COVID19, and subsequent precautions, has the potential to negatively impact those experiencing Intimate Partner Violence (IPV). Many current restrictions have an outsized impact on safety of individuals experiencing IPV: school and childcare closures, access to public transportation, ability to report to work, and even being quarantined with a violent partner. Seeking assistance in hospitals, court houses and other public service agencies may also be limited. Those experiencing violence may have limited access to technology and private communication with others outside of their home environment. With these restrictions and increased stressors, the use of violence may also increase without outlets to decompress due to lack of financial, occupational, relational, and social resources. Role of the Social Worker in the Outbreak of Pandemics (A case of COVID-19) Afamochukwu Okafor, MA, Ph.D. Candidate, University of Nicaragua In a world of emerging global humanitarian emergencies and pandemics such as COVID-19 which has ravaged the world with millions of infections and deaths, the presentation will explore the roles social workers play in the outbreak of a pandemic. The goal is to trigger reflections, meaningful conversations, as well as serve as a wakeup call to the social work profession and policy makers to better prepare for outbreak of pandemics. Link to Journal Article: Okafor, A. (2021). Role of the social worker in the outbreak of pandemics (A case of COVID19). Cogent Psychology, 8(1), 1–7. https://doi.org/10.1080/23311908.2021.1939537 https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/23311908.2021.1939537
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