March is National Social Work month, and Hill Country Memorial (HCM) is inviting anyone who has received care from an HCM social worker to write the hospital about the care he or she received.

Social workers help patients find financial assistance for care and medicine. They offer patients emotional support and grief counseling, guidance to pay household bills, and they help provide a safe harbor for children and elderly suffering from abuse and neglect. They also guide patients who require mental counseling to an appropriate therapist.

Mandy Schmidt, MSW, Linda Adkins, MSW, Martha Matteson, LCSW, and Tammi Smith, MSW, are social workers at the hospital. Ms. Matteson is also a social worker at HCM Home Care. Serenity Drum, BSW, Randa Kirchner, MSW, and Jim Royea, MSW, are social workers with HCM Hospice.

“They (social workers) provide a wonderful service for our community,” HCM CEO Michael Williams, MD, said. “The job of a social worker requires great compassion and constant learning. I’m proud of our team. They do a remarkable job, and it’s important for the public to know how these experts help.”

The HCM social workers meet quarterly with other community organizations to assess local service capabilities and coordinate delivery.

Anyone who would like to tell a story about how a social worker helped him or her, or a family member, is invited to email the hospital at info@hillcountrymemorial.org or write Hill Country Memorial, c/o Marketing/SW, PO Box 835, Fredericksburg, TX 78624.