Equity Matters: Centering the Voices of Individuals, Families and Communities Historically Marginalized and Excluded from Access to Care

In response to recent Executive Orders issued by the U.S. President, ramification and implications for social work and research, SSWR in partnership with CSWE, and the National Association of Deans and Directors, Schools of Social Work (NADD) hosted a webinar titled, "Safeguarding Social Work Education and Science in Uncertain Times" that encouraged educators, researchers and practitioners to create space for evidence-based information that sheds light on what we are doing and will continue to do to advance the fields of social work education and science. The purpose of this roundtable session is to highlight ongoing research related to quality-of-life issues, problems and analyses addressed through community-participatory research, across the life- course. The panel of researchers, representative of scholars from various social work program/schools, conducting research with diverse populations (i.e., age, geographic regions, gender, orientation, race, culture) will describe pressing social problems, discuss theoretical frameworks, and apply a critical lens when exploring innovative methodologies in this session. Research centering the voices of individuals, families and communities that have been historically marginalized and excluded from person-centered, goal-concordant care is the focus of each panelist's research. To address challenges of continuing our research programs and sustaining our commitment to vulnerable populations, during such turbulent times politically, panelists will discuss culturally variant approaches to education and science. The first panelist examines factors influencing mental health among college athletes across sport, gender and race, with attention to the socialization of mental toughness and resilience. This research has implications for the sustainability of research partnerships between faculty and students. The second panelist describes the importance of disseminating research that contributes to the understanding of the concepts and implications of emotional intelligence among a cohort of MSW students engaged in practicum education to strengthen cultural competency outcomes. With Practicum (Field) being the signature pedagogy, such research innovation is warranted. The third panelist will highlight the importance of enhancing community engagement and advocacy among older adults through resident councils in long-term care (LTC) facilities in rural areas. This research gives attention to the development, implementation and testing of a toolkit for empowering LTC residents, supporting meaningful involvement in residential life, and increasing awareness and utilization of state ombudsman programs for older adults. Micro, mezzo and macro implications of this study contribute important perspectives in the areas of aging and gerontology research. The final panel discussion will expound upon exploratory qualitative insights from subcomponents of a larger study of that provided monthly virtual navigation support to Medicaid-eligible caregivers. Preliminary themes from this early-stage analysis revealed meaningful patterns in caregiver-identified needs and experiences, offering valuable insights into dementia-related policy and program priorities.

In conclusion, the research panelists weave threads of strengths, advocacy and sustainability throughout the discussions, emphasizing the importance of mobilizing resources that extend across geographic regions, areas of expertise and social work program/schools. Attendees will leave this session with evidence-based information that sheds light on what this panel of research scholars is doing and will continue to do to advance the fields of social work education and science.