NASW Statement on the Shooting Death of Alex Pretti by Federal Agents

Jan 26, 2026

In the wake of the shooting death of Alex Pretti by federal agents in Minneapolis on January 24, NASW CEO Anthony Estreet, Ph.D., MBA, LCSW-C, issued this statement.

Across the United States, communities are experiencing harm. Families afraid to leave their homes. Children are being impacted at school, and neighborhoods are being destabilized by fear. This is not safety or justice, and it has no place in our democracy.

The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) has long warned against fear-based policies that rely on force instead of care. Force militarized responses being carried out by ICE result in significant trauma to the communities we serve.

Social Workers Educate!

Use your voice, training, and platform to share accurate information about how harmful immigration enforcement impacts families, communities, and essential services.NASW calls on policymakers and federal agencies to immediately halt harmful enforcement practices and commit to approaches that prioritize safety and humanity. Fear, intimidation, and murder have no place in our democracy.

On Saturday, Jan. 24th, another U.S. citizen was killed by federal immigration enforcement. This wasn’t an isolated incident and reflects a dangerous pattern that threatens community safety and public trust.

As social workers, our ethical responsibility is clear. We must:

Protect human dignity

Demand transparency and accountability

Advocate for systems rooted in care, not intimidation

Silence is not neutral.

Social Workers Activate! Act Now!

Support community-based organizations, mutual aid, and mental health resources that protect and heal our neighborhoods.

Fear, intimidation, and murder have no place in our democracy.

Please contact Congress at (202) 224-3121 and demand transparency, accountability, and an end to fear-based enforcement practices. Amplify YOUR social work voice.

State Treasury launches 2026 application window for Nevada HEAL Program to attract and retain health care providers in underserved communities

CARSON CITY, NV — Today, Nevada State Treasurer Zach Conine announced the launch of the 2026 application window for the Nevada Health Equity & Loan Assistance (“HEAL”) Program, which is aimed at bringing additional healthcare providers to underserved communities across the State.

The Nevada HEAL Program provides healthcare providers with up to $120,000 in student loan repayment in exchange for committing to serve in an underserved community the State.

In 2025, the Program provided approximately $1 million in student loan relief to 67 healthcare professionals throughout Nevada, including 23 providers in rural communities.

“It’s abundantly clear that many communities in our State are struggling to gain access to affordable and reliable healthcare services,” said Treasurer Zach Conine. “The Nevada HEAL Program is a vital tool to helping us attract the providers we need to increase access to care for residents across Nevada.

Healthcare providers who are approved for the Program will be required to practice in rural and/or underserved urban communities in Nevada for a period of at least five years.

To be eligible to participate in the Nevada HEAL Program, a provider must:

• Be a resident of the State of Nevada;
• Work in an eligible healthcare profession;
• Be licensed, certified, and/or registered to practice in Nevada; and
• Commit to practicing in an underserved community in Nevada for at least 5 years.
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This Program is available to a wide array of health care professions, including physicians, nurses, social workers, behavioral health professionals, and many more.

Providers of healthcare are now able to apply for the program, and the application window will close on February 20th at 11:59 p.m.

The State Treasury will also be holding a number of virtual webinars during the application window to assist any healthcare providers who have questions about the application process.



To apply, or to learn more about the Program, visit NevadaTreasurer.gov/HEAL/.

NEW! NASW-NV SOCIAL WORK BOOK CLUB

Looking for a flexible and engaging way to fulfill your continuing education requirements? Join our exclusive social work virtual book club and transform your professional development journey!

Why Join Our Virtual Book Club?

Earn CEUs Effortlessly

• Gain 3 CEUs for each book you read and pass a short online quiz (score 80% or higher).
• Complete all six books to earn up to 18 CEUs per year.

Explore Curated Social Work Literature

• Dive into six handpicked books annually that resonate with your field.
• Stay updated with the latest insights and apply new knowledge to your practice.

Connect and Grow Your Network

• Engage in enriching discussions with a community of passionate social workers.
• Share experiences, exchange ideas, and learn from peers nationwide.

Flexible, On-Demand Participation

• Access our online community forum anytime, anywhere—no scheduled meetings!
• Fit your professional development seamlessly into your busy schedule.

Stay Motivated and Accountable

• Be part of a group that encourages you to meet your reading and professional goals.
• Enjoy the collective energy of like-minded professionals committed to growth.

Affordable Investment in Your Career

• NASW Chapter Members: $79 per year (Use code MOAK2018277 at checkout)
• Non-Members: $99 per year

Note: The participation fee includes access to the online community and CEU quizzes. Books are purchased separately.

Embark on a journey of learning, connection, and professional enrichment—all from the comfort of your home.



To sign up, visit the NASW-NV Book Club Sign-up

Please note: The book club and virtual discussion platform are managed by PBC Guru. Please email them at info@pbc.guru with any questions or visit their website at http://www.pbc.guru to learn more.

>> More at NASW-NV Social Work Book Club

Helping Medicare Beneficiaries Plan for & Navigate Coverage in 2026

Chris Herman, MSW, LICSW, Senior Practice Associate–Aging

December 2025

Four NASW Publications Available

Many social workers have been wondering how the recent shutdown of the federal government affected Medicare annual enrollment for calendar year 2026. Similarly, questions have arisen regarding the impact of recent changes within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the enactment of the July 2025 budget reconciliation law (P.L. 119-21, also known as H.R. 1) on Medicare coverage for the upcoming calendar year. This four-part series of Tips & Tools for Social Workers addresses those questions and provides additional updates. Read more

New Study Finds Significantly Increased Risk of Heart Attack and Stroke Among Cannabis Users

By Diana Ling, MA, Senior Program Manager; and Anna Mangum, MSW, MPH, Senior Health Strategist; Health Behavior Research and Training Institute; The University of Texas at Austin School of Social Work

Oct 01, 2025

Cannabis use increases the risk for heart attack and stroke, including among young people with no prior history of cardiovascular issues, according to a new study. Researchers analyzed data on 200 million people aged 19 to 59 and found that cannabis users had a 29% higher risk of heart attack and 30% higher risk of stroke compared to nonusers. Cannabis users were also twice as likely to die from cardiovascular disease.

Read more about New Study Finds Significantly Increased Risk of Heart Attack and Stroke Among Cannabis Users

Social Work Student Events

NASW invites all social work students and recent graduates to our student-focused series to enhance your skills and connect you with colleagues from across the country. NASW members and non-members are all welcome to attend. 

NASW student events are held on the third Thursday of each month from 3:00 to 4:30 p.m. PT, 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. ET.

Registration is free!

Check out the benefits students receive

The Nevada Department of Health and Human Services invites professionals across the State to apply for Cohort Two of the Capacity Building Institute (CBI). The CBI is a nine-month intensive in-person training opportunity for individual provider, clinical, state, and systems staff involved in supporting Nevadans with I/DD and complex behavioral support needs to learn and problem-solve together

Modeled after the Pennsylvania CBI, the Nevada CBI aims to increase capacity in Nevada to better support individuals with IDD and complex needs, including co-occurring behavioral health conditions, to live and work in the most integrated settings within the broader community, reducing reliance on institutional care.

Why?

Improve outcomes for adults, youth, and children with I/DD and complex needs in Nevada.

How?

Meet for two days per month for nine months of collaborative learning and intensive engagement with a selected cohort of Nevada professionals and national experts.

Costs?

No cost to apply or attend. Travel, lodging, and meals are reimbursed for in-person sessions for participants. Incentive grants are available for provider organizations with participating staff.

The application window closes on February 15th, 2026, at 5 pm PT. Applicants will be notified no later than March 6th.

If you require additional assistance in completing this application or if you would like to email your letter of recommendation, please contact us at rlaflame@healthmanagement.com.

We are committed to providing the necessary support to ensure that everyone can access and complete the application process.

Apply Here: https://healthmanagement.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_erP2VIeAY1BjxPg

Call for Workshop Speakers!

Are you a speaker? An expert in your field?

We are looking for speakers for our NASW-Nevada-hosted Education workshops.

Topics can include, but are not limited to:

Substance Abuse/Use

Social Justice

LGBTQ+ Issues

Workplace Conflict Management

Ethics

Aging

Child Abuse/Family Violence

Children, Youth, & Families

Clinical/Behavioral Health

Spirituality/Mind-Body Wellness

If you or someone you know would be interested, use the form below to connect with us!

Sign up here: https://naswil.wufoo.com/forms/x5oe7n115szsiw/

NASW-Nevada Hosted Education:

NASW-NV CEUs are accepted by the following boards and organizations:

• Nevada Board of Examiners for Social Workers
• Nevada State Board of Psychological Examiners
• State of Nevada | Department of Education
• State of Nevada Board of Examiners for Marriage and Family Therapists & Clinical Professional Counselors

Know Your Rights and ICE Enforcement

Date: March 4th, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. PT, 12:00 p.m. CT 

Zoom

1 hour

Description:

This training provides an overview of essential rights for immigrants and their families, including how to interact with law enforcement and immigration officials. Participants will gain practical information, advocacy tools, and resources to help protect immigrant communities and support individuals navigating the immigration system.

Cost: Free Social Work Month Class *without CE* (CE Certificate: 10.00)

Register Here:https://naswil.wufoo.com/forms/z1gwwqnm1toxvlt/

The Ethics of AI for Social Workers

Date: Wednesday, March 4, 2026, from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm CT / 10:00 am to 2:00 pm MST / 9:00 am to 1:00 pm PST

Presenter: Lori A Melhart (she/her), LCSW

Virtual Platform: Zoom Meeting

CEUs Available: 4.0 Ethics

Description: Navigate the complex ethical landscape of AI in social work with this comprehensive course. It meticulously covers HIPAA compliance for AI tool usage and strategies for securing informed client consent. Explore diverse ethical AI applications while distinguishing between beneficial support and activities constituting therapy. Crucially, gain an up-to-date understanding of Illinois' landmark Wellness and Oversight for Psychological Resources Act (HB1806) and its direct practice implications. This course fosters critical thinking for responsible AI integration, prioritizing client well-being and professional standards. Participants will engage with AI tools on their devices, bridging theory with practical application for an empowered future in social work.

Register Here: https://naswil.wufoo.com/forms/z1pesxoj01qfa4q/

Committee/Task Forces 2025-2026

The NASW-Nevada Chapter seeks volunteers in every part of the state to volunteer on chapter committees or task forces to support events and chapter priorities.

NASW is your association. Why not take advantage of all the opportunities it has to offer? Within each of our regions are ongoing leadership opportunities, CEU workshops, and networking events organized just for you. NASW-Nevada is your networking link to what’s going on in your community and the social work profession at large. This is your professional organization—make the most of your membership, and get involved!

Consider joining one of the many committees and task forces within the NASW-Nevada Chapter.

For 2025-2026, they include:

• Licensure Task Force - Review current existing licensure practices and make recommendations to the state on how to streamline licensure, create a more equitable path, and support Nevada students. In formation*

• Conference Committee - assists in education review, promotes the event, and solicits sponsors/exhibitors. In formation*

• Rural/Frontier Committee - a standing committee tasked with looking for ways to better integrate rural social workers into the association.

• Racial Equity Committee - a standing committee tasked with reviewing current issues around racial equity.

• Membership and Community Outreach Committee - a standing committee to work with community partners to further recruit members and inform the social work profession on NASW activities. In formation*

*Committees that are designated as "in formation" are committees that are currently not meeting but in which the association will be launched when needed or the applicable time period arrives. Committees marked "currently active" are currently meeting and have a formal charge.

Additional opportunities and task forces may be added throughout the year as needed by the Board of Directors. Updated opportunities will be reflected on the NASW-NV website and via email news blasts.

If you're interested in serving on one of these advisory groups, please complete an NASW-Nevada Committee Volunteer interest form.

Email admin.naswnv@socialworkers.org to Join the meetings!