HONOLULU (KHON2) -- The Democratic National Convention (DNC) is hosting a diverse range of speakers, each bringing unique perspectives on critical national issues.
Social work is a job that is growing quickly, and social workers are important in helping the country deal with big problems.
These problems include more people having mental health issues, a crisis with opioid drugs, deep political disagreements and more people becoming homeless because of income inequality.
Amongst these voices is Dr. Anthony Estreet, Chief Executive Officer of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW).
While there, he will speak at different events, including a panel at the University of Illinois at Chicago on August 20 and a TED Talk at a hotel on August 21.
Dr. Estreet will address the convention, aiming to raise awareness about the vital role social workers play in addressing pressing social issues, including mental health, economic justice and the opioid crisis.
Mental health crisis: A growing concern
Dr. Estreet emphasized the urgent need for a comprehensive approach to mental health, especially in light of the ongoing challenges faced by those who are unhoused and struggling with mental illness.
He pointed out that access to care remains a significant barrier for many, particularly in underserved areas like Hawaiʻi. The closure of hospitals and a lack of services have exacerbated the situation, leaving vulnerable populations without the support they need.
Dr. Estreet called for increased investment in mental health services, including substance use treatment.
He highlighted the importance of making care more accessible and ensuring that mental health professionals, particularly clinical social workers, receive adequate compensation.
"We need to make sure that providers in this space, especially in areas like Hawaiʻi, are taken care of. They need a wage they can survive on, but also one they can thrive on," he said.
Bridging the political divide
Addressing the deep political divides in the country, Dr. Estreet offered a nuanced perspective. He explained that the term "political divide" often oversimplifies complex issues.
Rather than categorizing people into rigid groups, he stressed the importance of listening to constituents and working collaboratively to solve problems.
In Hawaiʻi, where the political landscape is a mix of socially conservative and progressive values, Dr. Estreet noted that social workers have a unique role to play.
"Social workers have always worked in a nonpartisan way to bridge divides and ensure that sensible legislation is passed," he said.
He pointed to the need for compromise on issues such as taxes, race, and living wages as essential to moving the country forward.
Tackling the opioid C=crisis
The opioid crisis has ravaged communities across the United States, and Hawaiʻi is no exception. The state has invested heavily in harm reduction, a strategy that Dr. Estreet strongly supports.
"Harm reduction meets people where they are in their recovery journey. It ensures that if people continue to use, they do so in the safest way possible," he explained.
Dr. Estreet advocated for continued investment in medication-assisted treatment and innovative harm reduction approaches. He also emphasized the importance of community support in the recovery process, noting that people are more likely to succeed when they feel supported.
"Recovery is not just about the individual; it's about the community coming together to support them," he said.
Addressing income inequality and homelessness
Income inequality has led to a significant rise in homelessness across the country, with Hawaiʻi facing some of the most severe challenges.
The state's high cost of living, particularly in housing, has forced many residents, especially Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders, to leave for the mainland. This exodus is eroding the cultural foundation of the islands.
Dr. Estreet called for policies that increase the availability of affordable housing and create pathways from renting to homeownership. He also highlighted the need for economic justice, arguing that employment and wages must be improved to bridge the gap between income and the cost of living.
"We can't talk about affordable housing without talking about economic justice. We need to ensure that people can afford to live where they choose to," he said.
Collaboration as a key message
During his speaking engagements at the DNC, Dr. Estreet plans to emphasize the importance of collaboration. He believes that organizations like the NASW cannot achieve their goals alone.
"Collaboration, collaboration, collaboration," he said, noting that working with other organizations, such as the American Psychological Association and the National Alliance on Mental Illness, is crucial for making meaningful change.
Dr. Estreet also stressed the need for leaders who are committed to preserving democracy and ensuring that everyone can vote.
He hopes to convey to policymakers the importance of passing sensible policies that address social justice, economic justice, and mental health.
"We need leaders who care about the people they represent and who are willing to work together to solve the nation's problems," he said.
Opportunities and challenges for social workers
Social work is one of the fastest-growing professions in the United States, but it faces significant challenges.
Dr. Estreet acknowledged that while the field offers many opportunities, it also comes with obstacles, particularly in terms of compensation.
"Social workers are heroes, but they deserve fair pay," he said.
He pointed out that social workers often have to work multiple jobs to make ends meet, despite doing similar work to other professionals like psychologists.
Dr. Estreet called on Congress to increase reimbursement rates for social workers and expand loan forgiveness programs to alleviate the financial burden on those entering the field.
"When you take care of your social worker, your social worker will be better equipped to take care of you," he added.
Promoting racial equality
Dr. Estreet addressed the ongoing national debate around diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs.
He criticized efforts to roll back these initiatives, arguing that they are essential for creating a more just and equitable society.
"The goal of this country should be to be more diverse, equitable, and inclusive," he said.
He expressed concern over the portrayal of DEI programs as detrimental, emphasizing that NASW will continue to work with organizations like the NAACP and Black Lives Matter to advocate for social justice.
"We won't stop advocating for diversity, equity, and inclusion," Dr. Estreet vowed.
Overcoming challenges in addressing addiction and homelessness
When it comes to addressing addiction and homelessness, Dr. Estreet identified resources as the biggest obstacle.
He called for the federal government to provide more support and access to services, emphasizing the need for timely responses to these issues.
"We need to be able to respond in a timely fashion," he said.
Dr. Estreet also advocated for the creation of community health clinics that offer integrated care for those dealing with multiple issues, such as mental health, substance use, and homelessness.
"The more we can work alongside other professions and create one-stop shops for care, the better the outcomes will be," he said.
The vital role of social workers
As the nation continues to face significant social challenges, Dr. Estreet reiterated the importance of social workers in keeping communities together.
During the pandemic, social workers were on the front lines, helping people access resources and addressing mental health needs.
"Social workers will continue to be there to address these issues," he said.
Looking ahead, Dr. Estreet hopes that the next presidential administration and Congress will provide the necessary support for social workers to continue their essential work.
"We're looking for more support from Congress and the next president to address these challenges comprehensively," he concluded.
Dr. Estreet's presence at the DNC highlights the critical role that social workers play in shaping the future of the nation.
You can watch Dr. Estreet's full interview in the above video.
As he takes the stage, his message of collaboration, equity and justice will resonate with policymakers and the public alike, reminding them that united, we can overcome the challenges ahead.