policy

Hartford Geriatric Social Work Faculty Scholars Program 
Hartford Doctoral Fellows in Geriatric Social Work program 

“Since its earliest history social work has been involved with social policy and mental health practice, emphasizing the promotion of the general welfare of vulnerable people, such as the elderly,” says Barbara J. Berkman, DSW/PhD, Director of the Hartford Geriatric Social Work Faculty Scholars Program.

The Faculty Scholars Program, funded by the John A. Hartford Foundation since 1999 with a total of $24.3 million, has supported over 120 social work faculty who address issues around aging. A companion program, the Hartford Doctoral Fellows Program, funded by the John A. Hartford Foundation since 2000 with a total  of over $10 million, has provided dissertation support and professional development opportunities to over 100 social work doctoral students.

Hartford-funded social work faculty and doctoral students are continuing the long-standing tradition of influencing health policy through their research and advocacy work for older adults with mental health issues.