Florida Health Care Social Workers Association Press Release Regarding the 2014 Annual Conference

FHCSWA’s 2014 Annual Conference a Tremendous Success

Elections Held & Winner of Social Services Award of Excellence Announced

West Palm Beach, Fla. – The Florida Health Care Social Workers Association is pleased to announce that the 2014 Annual Conference, Health Care Heroes: Championship Teamwork held July 13-16, 2014 at the Delray Beach Marriott was a tremendous success. The conference featured a wide variety of topics, both clinical and regulatory, with excellent speakers providing education to more than 140 participants. Attendees were primarily composed of social workers and social service directors who practice in long-term care facilities. Social workers had the opportunity to earn CEUs, and to meet with vendors during the annual trade show. This year’s conference also featured elections of the new executive board. Maddie Del Valle, MSW was installed as the new President; Pedro Curbelo assumed the role of Vice President, John Barton as Treasurer, and Otto McGavisk as the new incoming Secretary. Denise Baultrip-Cuyjet is immediate past-president.

This year’s conference featured an exciting line-up of programming and top-notch speakers. Highlights included a session on bullying and empathy in older adults, sexuality challenges for residents with dementia, and regulatory updates from the “Hill”. Also, a major highlight of every annual conference is the presentation of the Social Services Award of Excellence during the annual awards breakfast.
This year’s winner of the Social Services Award of Excellence is Cynthia Evins, Director of Social Services at Sandalwood Nursing Center in Daytona Beach.
“Cynthia is an excellent social worker and is most deserving of this special recognition”, FHCSWA President Maddie Del Valle, MSW said. “Her passion and love for her job really shines through, and her facility is lucky to have her. FHCSWA is extremely proud of its members who make a difference every day in their communities.”

Planning has already begun for next year’s conference to be held at the Daytona Beach Hilton in July 2015. For more information about FHCSWA or the annual conference, please contact Matthew Reese at the business office at (561) 689-6321.