Sherlon Quarles applies her social work background to her work as the assistant vice president for outpatient services at St. John's Riverside Hospital in Yonkers, N.Y., along with the motivation she developed as a child with parental alcoholism in the home. Quarles discusses the multiple ways the center helps people with addiction, including telehealth services, talk therapy and medication assisted treatment. She praises the staff's client-centered approach, along with their passion and drive.

Smiles for Jake in Brainerd, Minn., has been honored as the 2025 Nonprofit of the Year by Brainerd Community Action and the Brainerd Jaycees, a recognition that highlights its year-round commitment to suicide prevention. Board members received the award news during their November meeting, with organizers praising the nonprofit's work in addressing mental health needs. "[W]hen we know we are connecting people to the resources that they need, then it just fills your heart full of gratitude knowing that we have potentially saved lives," said Executive Director Sarah Smith.

Advocacy, education and a holistic approach to athlete well-being are all ways social work integrates into sports, says Lisa Bonta Sumii, a licensed clinical social worker and Certified Mental Performance Consultant. Social workers challenge inequities, support mental health, and create inclusive environments, demonstrating the profession's impact beyond traditional stereotypes, says Bonta Sumii.

Dallas-based nonprofit Youth180 has launched a board game drive aimed at supporting emotional wellness among families affected by mental health challenges and substance use disorders. The initiative, which runs through Dec. 15, encourages the donation of board games to foster family connection and reduce stress during the holidays.

Pediatric Healthcare Associates and LifeBridge Community Services have partnered to integrate talk therapists into pediatric offices in Connecticut, working to improve access to mental health care amid rising demand and provider shortages. "Taking care of their mental health is really important. Just as important as their physical health," says Pediatric Healthcare Associates CEO Andrea Hagani. The initiative has already seen significant engagement, with 70 referrals and over 20 children receiving care in the first month.

Telehealth and hospital-at-home programs have resumed normal operations after the government shutdown, thanks to a short-term extension of Medicare waivers that lasts until Jan. 30. The American Telemedicine Association and other stakeholders are calling for a permanent or multi-year extension to provide stability, as the uncertainty has caused some health systems to hesitate in launching new programs. "Our next ask obviously would be the longest extension possible," said Kyle Zebley, the ATA's new CEO. "Get us out of these short-term extensions. Get us on firmer ground."

Understanding what motivates difficult coworkers can help you see the situation from their perspective, writes Brittney Maxfield from Crucial Learning. Maxfield also recommends doing a strength development inventory to uncover three common motivations that shape behavior and feelings of self-worth: people, process and performance.

Leadership during the age of AI will belong to those who can use the technology as a tool without losing sight of the limitations of AI, writes Naphtali Hoff, an executive coach. "The leaders who thrive long-term will be those who wield AI responsibly -- ensuring it amplifies human potential rather than erodes it," Hoff writes.