Human Services and Social Worker forum attracts crowd

Kate Dean, program and training specialist for Prevent Child Abuse Kentucky, addressed head trauma during the Educating Today s Human Service and Social Work Professionals forum at Hazard Community and Technical College.

Topics of head trauma, autism, and HIV/AIDS were featured during the forum Educating Today s Human Service and Social Work Professionals on Sept. 19, hosted by Hazard Community and Technical College Human Services and Social Work Association (HASA). Speakers for the event were made possible through Health Resources and Services Administration grant funding.

Sixty people registered for the Forum including Kim Gray, Department of Community Based Services where she is a Social Services Clinician. This forum was very informative. The information on head trauma is an important topic and it s something we deal with every day.

Terry Nelson, Cabinet for Health and Family Services and with Intrust Healthcare, also praised the program, saying he learned a lot. He was especially appreciative such quality training was available close to his Harlan County home. Participants came as far as Tennessee to take advantage of hearing the speakers.

Speaker Kate Dean, program and training specialist for Prevent Child Abuse Kentucky, addressed head trauma. Peggy Whitman and Shirley O'Brien, both professors of the occupational therapy department at Eastern Kentucky University, spoke on the autism spectrum disorder. Rev. Daniel M. Newman, a Holistic Health Consultant, addressed the issue of HIV/AIDS Certification program.

Cindy Plummer, HCTC Coordinator of the Human Services Program, said it s important for the community college to offer educational training sessions to the community and she praised the top-notch speakers at the event.