AUGUSTA - Rep. Lydia Crafts, D-Newcastle, received the 2024 National Social Worker of the Year award from the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) on June 20 in Washington, D.C. Crafts was recognized for her outstanding dedication to social justice, innovative legislative initiatives and unwavering commitment to the health and welfare of Maine's most vulnerable populations. She had previously been named the Maine Social Worker of the Year by the organizations state chapter.
"I am deeply honored by this recognition and grateful to all social workers for their dedication, empathy and compassion in serving those in need," said Crafts. "Social workers form the foundation of healthy and resilient communities. This legislative session, I've had the privilege of working with many outstanding advocates to ensure social workers have the resources they need. However, there is still much more to be done, and I look forward to continuing this work."
During her two terms in the Legislature, Crafts has sponsored and cosponsored several pieces of legislation to support social workers, including a bill to have Maine join the Social Work Interstate Licensing Compact, which was enacted this year She has also sponsored legislation to amend the state's Social Work Education Loan Repayment Program, repeal limitations on social workers ability to diagnose certain mental illnesses and establish programming to enhance behavioral health supports for students in public schools.
Rep. Crafts is serving her second term in the Maine House and represents Bristol, Damariscotta, Newcastle, Nobleboro and Monhegan Island. She is the House chair of the Legislature's Transportation Committee.
Contact:
Brian Lee [Crafts], c. 305-965-2744
Photo: Rep. Lydia Crafts receives the National Social Worker of the Year award at the NASW National Conference in Washington, D.C. on June 20, 2024.