Illinois Social Work E-News: March 2021

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign | March 2021

Upcoming Events

Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Economic and Psychological Well-Being of Hourly Service Workers and their Families; March 18, 12:00-1:00pm CST

5th Annual Grant-a-Thon; March 26, 9:00am-3:30pm CST

The Upside of Stress: How to Prevent Burnout and Effectively Manage Pandemic Stress; March 26, 1:00-4:00pm CST

Pandemic Precarity: Economic Consequences of COVID-19 & Implications for Health Disparities; April 20, 12:00-1:00pm CST

See all Upcoming Events

News and Announcements

Mobile App Helps Young Adults Talk to Peers about Risky Substance Use Behaviors

A smartphone app called Harbor, currently under development by Professor Doug Smith and PhD student Kyle Bennett, teaches young adults how to talk to a peer if they are concerned about that other person’s drinking or drug use.

Patient Education Program Reduces Cardiovascular Disease Risks

Professor Tara Powell found that people at risk of cardiovascular disease achieved significant improvements in their weight, blood pressure and other metrics after completing an informational program that included both physical health and mental health information.

Tan Awarded Campus Research Board Grant

Kevin Tan has been awarded a Campus Research Board grant for his proposal Examining the Use of Photovoice to Promote Transformative SEL, Equity, and Excellence Among Youths. In addition, Kevin’s project was among a smaller subset of Campus Research Board awards that is designated as an Arnold O. Beckman Award; the Board selects projects of special distinction or promise to receive this designation.

SSW Faculty Featured on Upcoming Women & Gender in Global Perspectives Program Panels

Partner-Seeking, Relationships, and Well-Being

Featuring: Professor Ryan Wade

“Racialized Sexual Discrimination and Psychological Wellbeing Among Young Gay/Bisexual Black Men (YGBBM)”

Wednesday, March 24, 12:00-1:00pm via zoom

Gender and Health

Featuring: Professor Rachel Garthe

“Victimization, Mental Health and Suicidal Ideation among Transgender and Gender Expansive Youth”

Friday, April 21, 2:00-1:00pm via Zoom

PhD Student Accepted into National Research Programs

PhD student Brandie Bentley has received acceptance into the 2021 Minority Health and Health Disparities Research Training (MHRT) Program funded through the National Institute of Health. As a participant, Brandie will attend an Intensive Global Health Disparities Summer Research Institute that includes seminars on research dissemination and preparing for a career in health disparities research. She will also engage in 10 weeks of research in Jamaica.

Additionally, Brandie has been selected as a Birth Equity Research Scholar with the National Birth Equity Collaborative (NBEC) for the 2020-2022 cohort.

MSW Student Journey to Social Work

MSW student Minh Aimone is 52 years old and 8,785 miles from her birthplace in Vietnam. But time and distance are inconsequential when you know you are in the right place—which she says she is, as she is one step closer to becoming a social worker. Getting to that place, however, has been far from easy.

Watch the short documentary feature on Minh, featured at this year's Illini Fest. Read more about her story here.

Alumni Spotlight

As a student, Julie Porter (MSW '18) was a BHWELL scholar with a concentration in Health Care. She feels fortunate that her field placement was with the VA Illiana Health Care System. She immediately knew she wanted to continue a career working with Veterans and is still there today. Julie shares her experiences working at the VA, and how the MSW program helped her to gain the skills necessary for working in the field.