NASW-MN Coronavirus Bulletin #2 | March 18, 2020
We are continuing to monitor the current coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic very closely. We care deeply about the health and well-being of our members and the clients and communities you serve. As more details emerge and recommendations for health and safety change, NASW-MN is committed to providing information and resources that are relevant and useful for you during this uncertain time.
Information and Resources
SOCIAL WORK EDUCATION, LICENSURE AND EXAMINATION

Many questions have been raised about registering for licensure exams, applying for or renewing licensure, and fulfilling licensure requirements. Please check the websites below for the most current information.

  • MN Board of Social Work – Our state’s licensing board remains open for the time being. They have posted information about fulfilling licensure requirements on their website. You can also subscribe to their e-mail list on their website for more timely updates.

  • Pearson VUE testing centers – Pearson administers the licensure exams and has closed their centers starting March 17th. If you are registered for an exam before April 16th, you will receive communication from Pearson about rescheduling.
  • NASW-MN offers a licensure exam prep course a few times per year. Our April 7th course has been cancelled. Registration for the June 29th course is open. This course is also scheduled for October 27th, 2020; March 9th, 2021; and June 8th, 2021.


  • Council on Social Work Education – Social work educators can check CSWE’s website and engage in online discussions through the Spark community for ways to respond to COVID-19 on your campus.

  • Graduating soon or completing a field placement? Each social work program is addressing the coronavirus in its own way. Check with your school’s program director and administration for what action you need to take to fulfill your field and course requirements.
TELEHEALTH RESOURCES

Telehealth has received a lot of attention over the past week. Learn about what’s happening at the national level and take action here in Minnesota by visiting the links below:

  • Thank you to all who reached out to their legislators in response to our Policy Alert for SF 4200! (COVID-19 temporary emergency authority for the commissioner of human services) We've just heard from a legislator that an agreement has been made, and we're awaiting an announcement of when a floor session will be scheduled for passage.
SELF-CARE RESOURCES

During uncertain times, social workers activate to take care of others. With all the change to our work, family, and community lives, It’s important to take care our ourselves too. Here are some helpful articles.



OTHER COVID-19 RESOURCES

  • NASW National’s webpage about COVID-19 contains reliable information about COVID-19, information on supporting clients, preparing your private practice, prevention measures, impacts on older adults, self-care, and more.
Current Situation in Minnesota
Minnesota is working hard to prepare and respond to this pandemic. The MN Department of Health (MDH) reports that we have 60 confirmed cases in MN as of this morning.

In the past week, Governor Walz has made several announcements to address coronavirus, including the closure of Minnesota schools; calling on the Trump administration to increase testing capacity in Minnesota; and signing a bill allocating $200 million toward an emergency and long-term grant program to respond to the needs of health care and long-term care facilities during the COVID-19 pandemic.



  • Check your county and city’s websites for local information and efforts to address COVID-19.
Upcoming NASW-MN Events
We are continuing to work on postponing and making many of our upcoming events virtual in order to be part of the effort to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus. Our first priority is the health and safety of our members and the clients and communities you serve.

We are working to identify new dates or virtual participation options for upcoming events wherever possible. See below for status updates on upcoming events and programs:
If you are already registered for any of the above events, you will receive an e-mail from us (if you haven’t already) to let you know your options to receive a refund or transfer your registration to any new dates scheduled.

Thank you all for your patience and understanding during this trying and unprecedented time. We are working diligently to create virtual and remote opportunities for pre-planned and soon-to-be announced online workshops so that you can continue to earn the CEUs you need. Please check our website www.naswmn.org for updates about all continuing education opportunities and events.
MN Chapter Office Closure
In keeping with public health guidelines around social distancing, we have closed our Chapter office, as of March 17th and are working remotely until further notice. We will be checking voicemails periodically and still have access to e-mail. Our office phone number is 651-293-1935. For questions or concerns requiring a more immediate response, please e-mail us at admin.naswmn@socialworkers.org. Thank you for your patience in awaiting a reply as staff and interns work diligently to make necessary changes to our programming, and share updates with you!