Orange City Area Health System is recognizing this year’s Social Work Month in March with the
theme “Social Workers are Essential” to highlight the invaluable contributions social workers make in
our health system, senior care, home health and hospice, and our community — especially as we address the Coronavirus pandemic.
Medical social workers serve as an important resource for providing support, education, counseling, encouragement, and timely interventions, including when people are in crisis. They can also help patients and families with navigating through the healthcare system during difficult times, which can include sensitive end-of-life discussions and care.
Hospice social workers help both patients and families address many types of social, emotional, and practical challenges near the end of life. These caring providers enhance the social functioning and overall well-being of hospice patients and their families. They assess, educate, advocate for and directly assist those they serve.
This month – and every day – we honor our social workers who are unsung heroes in healthcare and hospice.
Jenni Plathe, MSW 
Emily Fischer, LBSW 
Michelle Vaas, LBSW 
Kim Jansma, LBSW
