2025 The Social Work Role in Advancing Equity in Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy

Session Description:
This webinar will explore the disparities and barriers that impact access to hematopoietic cell transplantation and cellular therapy for patients with blood cancer. Participants will gain actionable strategies and resources to advocate for equitable care, empower patients throughout the transplant and cellular therapy journey, and apply culturally responsive approaches and ethical considerations in eligibility.

Speakers:

Jennifer Adams, LCSW, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Information Specialist
Jennifer Adams is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who earned her Master of Social Work from the University of Texas at Arlington. She has practiced in the medical field of social work over 30 years. She has worked as an Information Specialist with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society since 2023. Jennifer has done extensive work in Geriatrics and Hospice and has over 15 years of experience specializing in Adult Stem Cell Transplant and hematology/oncology. She was the transplant social worker for the Adult Blood Cancer and Stem Cell Transplant Program at Methodist Hospital, and while there, she facilitated many support groups, including LLS General Blood Cancer Groups, and helped facilitate the first AYA support group in San Antonio.

Jane Dabney, LISW-S, OSW-C, Cleveland Clinic
Jane Dabney, LISW-S, OSW-C has worked as a clinical social worker with the Blood & Marrow Transplant program at The Cleveland Clinic since 2001. She provides clinical social work services to BMT patients and families throughout the continuum of care. Jane leads the BMT program’s Advance Care Planning committee. As an active member of the Association of Oncology Social Work (AOSW) Jane has served on as Director at Large on its Board of Directors, BMT Special Interest Group leader, and on committees.  Jane has also served on committees and working groups with several organizations including: National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP), American Society of Transplant & Cellular Therapies (ASTCT), Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS), and Association of Community Cancer Centers (ACCC). Jane earned a Master of Social Work degree from Cleveland State University and a BA from Kent State University, she also holds an oncology social work certification.

Angela Katrichis, LCSW-R, APHSW-C, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
Angela Katrich is a clinical social worker with advanced certification in palliative and end-of-life care, cognitive behavioral therapy, and mindfulness-based stress reduction. She is currently undergoing further intensive training in psychodynamic psychotherapy. She has been working with individuals and families impacted by serious illness since 2014 and joined Memorial Sloan Kettering in 2019. Angela earned her Master of Social Work degree from New York University.

Learning Objectives:
After attending the session, participants will be able to:

1. Identify health disparities experienced by patients diagnosed with blood cancer being evaluated for hematopoietic cell transplantation and cellular therapy.
2. Examine the importance of the psychosocial assessment in identifying and addressing potential barriers to care.
3. Discuss opportunities for social work interventions to advocate for responsive care to address identified inequities.
4. Review resources to support and empower minoritized patients during the transplant and cell therapy journey.

CE credits: 1.0, which will be available free of charge to AOSW members courtesy of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
Click here to view Continuing Education information.
Category: Cultural Competency
Educational Level: Intermediate

ASSOCIATION OF SOCIAL WORK BOARDS (ASWB):
This organization, Association of Oncology Social Workers, ACE Approval #1351, is approved to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Organizations, not individual courses, are approved as ACE providers. State and provincial regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 11/11/22 – 11/11/25. Social workers completing this course receive 1.0 cultural competency continuing education credits.

NEW YORK STATE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S STATE BOARD FOR SOCIAL WORK:
Association of Oncology Social Work, Inc., SW CPE is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Social Work as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers #0320.

Completion Requirements:
Social workers must successfully complete a quiz with a 75% passing grade and answer evaluation questions to earn credit for both live and recorded events.

*This course is not approved for NJ social workers, as ACE approval is not accepted by all Boards. Please check the ACE jurisdiction map for a list of jurisdictions that currently accept ACE.