As AOSW prepares for our Annual Conference in June, our theme for Issue #2 is “Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Psychosocial Oncology.” This issue is not only a primer for what’s to come at Conference, but it’s also a connection point for those members who might not be able to physically attend conference this year.
AOSW President Leora Lowenthal and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Director Dr. Lailea Noel kick off this issue describing AOSW’s DEI history, including their thoughtful article on the evolution of the role of the Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and the DEI committee that are making a meaningful impact in helping our organization feel more inclusive, welcoming and appreciative of diverse voices. Jennifer Dunn, a founding member of AOSW’s DEI Committee and now AOSW’s Membership Director, details AOSW’s commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, including “building a community that reflects all people affected by cancer.” Her article offers ideas and strategies to improve diversity not only in our professional association, but also in our organizations and our profession.
Because this issue has a connection to the annual conference, Linda Hutkin-Slade delightfully shares strategies for connecting at the conference whether this is your 20th AOSW Conference or your first. Karen Costello and Chelsea Kroll offer a SIG (Special Interest Group) Update as well as a few different ways to connect with SIGs during conference.
While the tenets of diversity, equity and inclusion are wide-reaching and rich, there are two articles that offer very practical approaches to bringing DEI initiatives into organizational and programmatic practice. Kara Downey and Karen Costello with the Cancer Support Community describe their new Peer Clinical Trials Support Program. This program was launched in July 2022 with the goal of improving health outcomes in the Black community. A peer-based program, it has been intentionally designed to support Black cancer patients in gaining access to and information about clinical trials. Briana Joyce’s article similarly describes how her Patient Support Services Diversity Committee at Moffitt Cancer Center created an intentional structure to support and highlight DEI initiatives. As she shared, not only was this an opportunity to demonstrate social work leadership, but it provides opportunities to live into the values of social justice and equity in very practical ways.
Carla Gomez reflects on working in a state and in a community that protects healthcare access, bringing those broader protections into sharp focus as she shares two patient stories. Adriana Valencia talks about supporting breast cancer patients in underserved communities.
We would like to take this opportunity to introduce Melody Griffith, our new AOSW Connections Editor! Melody is an Outpatient Oncology Social Worker at Mayo Clinic in Phoenix, Arizona. She is also an Instructor in Social Work at the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science. Melody has experience in both inpatient and outpatient oncology care. She works most closely with the blood cancer and adolescent and young adult populations. Reading, writing and learning are passions for her and she looks forward to working with all of you on Connections. We are excited about the enthusiasm, professionalism and poise she is bringing to our AOSW Connections team, and equally excited for her fresh perspective! She dove right in during this issue to craft a list of training resources specific to diversity, equity and inclusion. Check it out!
We hope this issue will spark new ideas, inspiration and educational opportunities to help each of us expand diversity, equity and inclusion in our communities.
