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Leading with heart

Advocating for Just and Equitable Systems

How We Advocate for Just and Equitable Systems

The Morrison Family College of Health teaches students about dismantling systemic health inequities, an emphasis which is rooted in the mission of St. Thomas and drawn from Catholic social teaching. Only by addressing fundamental causes of health inequities, such as racism and poverty, can we improve health and well-being for all people, regardless of background. We believe it is incumbent upon all of us to use our knowledge and skills to not only deliver services, but also to advocate for reducing the barriers that prevent people and families from accessing the health and support services they need to survive, thrive, and flourish.

An emphasis on health equity and social justice is woven throughout College of Health programs. Students, faculty, and alumni also find many opportunities to focus their work in areas about which they are most passionate. Explore some of the ways we advocate for just and equitable systems in the College of Health.

Master of Social Work Areas of Emphasis

Practice with Older Adults and Their Families

Gero-social work includes attention to physical, social, familial, cultural, community, and societal factors that serve as barriers to well-being of older adults and their families.
Gero Social Work

Practice with Immigrants and Refugees

Clinical practice with people of immigrant and refugee backgrounds recognizes the cultural factors that contribute to mental health among immigrants and refugees.
Social Work with Immigrants and Refugees
Students gather after a walk out

Confronting societal challenges

Social Work for Social Justice

School of Social Work faculty look to Catholic Social Teaching as a rich resource to inform and further specify social justice goals of social work education and practice. Catholic Social Teaching represents a “tradition of ethics” derived from papal encyclicals, scripture and other major church documents.

Social Work for Social Justice (PDF)

Thought Leadership

Headshot of Melissa Lundquist Headshot of Chris Vye Headshot of Catherine Marrs Fuchsel Headshot of Ande Nesmith

Grief Is A Shared Experience That Looks Different for Everyone

Melissa Lundquist discusses the complexities of grief on MPR with Angela Davis, recognizing all types of loss can affect us in our body, thought, emotion, and spirit.
In the News: Melissa Lundquist, a Director in School of Social Work, Discusses Grieving Process

The Need to Support Educators is More Urgent Than Ever

Chris Vye of our Graduate School of Professional Psychology joined forces with our School of Education to create a Mental Health and Well Being certificate to help educators support youth in this time of need.
School of Education Equips Educators With New Mental Health and Well-Being Certificate

Facing Domestic Abuse Among Immigrant Latinas

Catherine Luz Marrs Fuchsel, an associate professor and director of the doctoral program in the School of Social Work, shares her knowledge in order to raise awareness of domestic violence.

Tommie Experts: Facing Domestic Abuse Among Immigrant Latinas

Climate Change is Not Just an Environmental Issue - It's a Social One

Dr. Ande Nesmith, director of the School of Social Work and environmental justice expert, discusses how global warming affects hurricane season, its intensity, and the lasting impacts on communities with our School of Engineering professor, Dr. John Abraham.
Tommie Experts Video: Hurricane Havoc as Climate Change Intensifies