

Association of Veterans Affairs Social Workers
"The Independent Voice for VA Social Workers"

The Human Touch In Healthcare
AVASW 2021 VIRTUAL CONFERENCE:
VA Social Work: Sparking Change, Creating a More Inclusive VA
November 9th & 10th
8 CEUs are approved by the National Association of Social Workers
*Other disciplines will need to check with their board regarding acceptance of CEUs from the NASW
Conference Objectives:
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Acknowledge diversity among Veterans and recognize the challenges and opportunities this poses in health care settings.
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Identify clinical social work education, practice improvement, and policy opportunities to enhance veteran health services within the VA.
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Engage in genuine and meaningful conversations with colleagues about the quality of social work based health care services for Veterans at the VA across the nation.
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Increase organization awareness and membership through event attendance, encouraging social worker inclusivity at the VA and allow staff an independent association to seek support and professional development.
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Engage in an open speaking platform and provide resources, knowledge, and skill development for evidence-based practice across the healthcare continuum.
Day One: Nov 9th
11:00-11:30am EST
Wendyann Wyatt, DSW, LCSW
AVASW President
Opening Remarks and information on the AVASW
11:30am-12:30pm EST
Jennifer Koget, LCSW
VA National Director of Social Work; Fisher House & Family Hospitality; Intimate Partner Violence Assistance Program
The Future of VA Social Work
12:45pm-1:45pm EST
Stan Remer, LCSW
AVASW Congressional Liaison
AVASW Policy Priorities: Congressional Advocacy for Social Workers and Veterans
2:30-3:30am EST
Heather O'Beirne Kelly PhD
Senior Professional Staff Member, House Veterans' Affairs Committee
The House Veterans Affairs Committee: Research, Policy and Advocacy
3:30pm-4:30pm EST
Thor Ringler, MFA, MS
VA Program Director, My Life, My Story
The Mental Health Benefits of Storytelling: VA My Life, My Story Program
Day two: Nov 10th
11:00-11:30am EST
Dr. Maria Llorente, MD
Deputy to the Assistant Under Secretary for Health for Patient Care Services, Veterans Health Administration
Welcome Message
11:30am-12:30pm EST
Kayla Williams
Assistant Secretary, VA Office of Public and Intergovernmental Affairs
Creating a More Inclusive VA
2:30pm-3:30pm EST
Ernest Moy, MD, MPH
Executive Director of the Office of Health Equity of the VHA
Reducing Disparities in Veteran Health and Health Care
3:30pm-4:30pm EST
Dr. Roxroy Reid
Raymond G. Murphy Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Albuquerque
Ubuntu: What an African Philosophy Can Teach Social Workers About Diversity and Inclusion
Registration
AVASW Membership Registration:
Registration Cost: $45
Includes: CEUs
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Registration Open Until November 1st, 2021
Non-AVASW Membership Registration:
Registration Cost: $75
Includes: CEUs
1 year AVASW Membership
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Registration Open Until November 1st, 2021