Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital is raising awareness about social work services available to all patients as National Social Work Month begins this March.

Amie Panicacci, a licensed clinical social worker and supervisor of the social work department at Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital, noted that eight social workers make up the department, and they view themselves as “change agents” for patients.

“‘Change agents’ is how we look at being social workers,” Panicacci said. “We’re helping facilitate the change that (patients) are looking for.”

Related: Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital Celebrating American Heart Month With Series Of Special Events

This could mean working with patients who have suffered major traumas or received a new diagnosis of a chronic illness, or patients who are homeless or struggling with substance abuse, according to Panicacci.

“Every day is different,” she said. “We do a comprehensive psychosocial assessment, looking at the patient as a whole: Where are they at right now in their life and what are some challenges, some barriers that they’re facing (that prevents them) from living a great quality of life that everybody deserves?”

Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital’s social workers collaborate with doctors, nurses and chaplains to get patients the help they need, and patients themselves can request to see a social worker as well.

“It’s a wonderful resource that we’re so fortunate that Henry Mayo provides to all patients,” Panicacci said. “We provide resources and linkages to appropriate placement, and support that a lot of people don’t have… We are their support. We may be the first supportive person they’ve come in contact with in years, so it’s very important that we have this service in our community.”

Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital is a 238-bed, not-for-profit community hospital and trauma center in Santa Clarita. The Henry Mayo Hospital emergency department is open 24-7 to provide critical life-saving services, with a panel of physicians available around the clock for critical healthcare needs. In addition, a number of specialized care services are also available, including a maternity department, community hospital cancer program, advanced primary stroke center, spine and joint program, acute rehab unit, cardiology services, outpatient wound care, physical and occupational therapies and a wide range of surgical services.

Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital

23845 McBean Parkway

Valencia, CA 91355

661-253-8000

Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital

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Santa Clarita Hospital, Hospital in Santa Clarita, Henry Mayo, Henry Mayo Hospital, Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital, Trauma Center in Santa Clarita