Association of Oncology Social Work (AOSW)

04/13/2026

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗱𝗼𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝘁 𝗺𝗲𝗮𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝘆 𝗿𝗼𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗱, 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗲?

At the 2026 Annual Conference, the Opening Keynote will explore how adversity can become the foundation for resilience, not a barrier to it.

Join Michelle Ferretti, LCSW, OSW-C as she shares a powerful perspective on navigating the emotional weight of oncology social work while continuing to grow, lead, and advocate in complex care environments.

This session will resonate with anyone committed to supporting patients while sustaining themselves in the process.

🔗 Register now: https://bit.ly/4dL3hjf
⏰ Early bird rates end April 20 — secure your spot today!

04/09/2026

𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙙𝙤𝙚𝙨 𝙞𝙩 𝙢𝙚𝙖𝙣 𝙩𝙤 𝙗𝙚 𝙖𝙣 𝙤𝙣𝙘𝙤𝙡𝙤𝙜𝙮 𝙨𝙤𝙘𝙞𝙖𝙡 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙠𝙚𝙧 𝙩𝙤𝙙𝙖𝙮?

In the latest issue of AOSW Connections, “𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘌𝘷𝘰𝘭𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘖𝘯𝘤𝘰𝘭𝘰𝘨𝘺 𝘚𝘰𝘤𝘪𝘢𝘭 𝘞𝘰𝘳𝘬𝘦𝘳” by Kristine Naputo, LCSW explores how the role continues to expand in response to a rapidly changing healthcare landscape.

From addressing social determinants of health and advocating for DEI, to navigating the impact of policy changes and emerging technologies like AI, oncology social workers are stepping into more visible and essential roles than ever before.

👉 Read the full article in AOSW Connections: https://bit.ly/3QexkpL

04/08/2026

𝙃𝙤𝙬 𝙘𝙖𝙣 𝘼𝙄 𝙨𝙪𝙥𝙥𝙤𝙧𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙛𝙪𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙥𝙨𝙮𝙘𝙝𝙤𝙨𝙤𝙘𝙞𝙖𝙡 𝙤𝙣𝙘𝙤𝙡𝙤𝙜𝙮?

Join AOSW and Association of Cancer Care Centers on Thursday, April 30, from 12:00 to 1:00 PM EDT for a timely webinar exploring the role of artificial intelligence and digital innovation in supportive cancer care.

Learn how these tools may help expand access, personalize support, and strengthen psychosocial oncology services. The session will be led by Jennifer Bires, MSW, LCSW, OSW-C, CST, and moderated by Teresa van Oort MHA, LCSW-S, FAOSW.

Earn 1.0 CE credit while gaining practical insights into this evolving space.

👉 Register now: https://bit.ly/4sjwFkc

04/07/2026

🚨 𝗘𝗮𝗿𝗹𝘆 𝗯𝗶𝗿𝗱 𝗱𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴!

Don’t miss your chance to save on registration for the 2026 AOSW Annual Conference. Join us June 10–12 in Portland, OR for an inspiring experience filled with expert insights, meaningful connections, and up to 18.5 CE credits.

Secure your spot and take advantage of discounted rates before it’s too late.

👉 Register now: https://bit.ly/4sDqeZH

04/06/2026

This week, we recognize 𝗔𝗬𝗔 𝗖𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗿 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸 (4/6–4/10) and honor the strength and resilience of adolescents and young adults facing cancer. AYA patients represent an often underserved population, navigating unique medical, developmental, and psychosocial challenges. As oncology social workers, we remain committed to advocating for their needs and elevating their voices. Together, we continue to build a community where every AYA patient feels seen, supported, and valued.

04/01/2026

April is National Oral, Head, and Neck Cancer Awareness Month, a time to raise visibility for the individuals and families affected by these often complex and life altering cancers.

This population frequently faces challenges such as speech, swallowing, appearance related changes, and psychosocial impacts that require specialized, compassionate care.

As oncology social workers, we are dedicated to supporting patients throughout treatment and survivorship while advocating for earlier detection and equitable access to resources.

If you're a social worker or healthcare provider supporting this population — what resources have made the biggest difference for your patients?

03/30/2026

Don’t miss your chance to join us in Portland! 🌟 Register for the 2026 AOSW Annual Conference and save with early bird rates through April 20.

Secure your spot today: https://aosw.org/annual-conference/registration-2/

03/27/2026

Social Work Month isn’t over yet! A few members at AOSW took us through “a day in my life” as Oncology Social Workers. While no day looks the same, each one is rooted in compassion, resilience, and making a difference when it matters most. 💙

Thank you to the incredible professionals who show up for patients and families every single day.

03/24/2026

Advocacy is at the heart of social work and it’s more important than ever.

In the latest AOSW Connections, the AOSW Advocacy Committee explores how oncology social workers can move beyond clinical care to advance social justice and drive meaningful change.

From identifying your advocacy focus to amplifying patient voices and engaging with organizations like American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network and National Association of Social Workers, this piece offers practical ways to get involved and make an impact.

As policies continue to shape access to care, oncology social workers are uniquely positioned to bridge micro and macro practice—ensuring patients’ voices are heard and their needs are met.

🔗 Read more and take the next step in your advocacy journey here:

To submit a story or information for inclusion in a future issue of AOSW Newsletter, contact Amy Colver or Katherine Easton on the list above.

03/19/2026

The latest issue of AOSW Connections is here—have you had a chance to read it yet?

In honor of Social Work Month, this issue explores the evolving role of the oncology social worker. Hear from AOSW President Meredith Cammarata as she shares insights on what OSW looks like today.

From addressing systemic inequities to supporting patients and families at every stage of care, oncology social workers continue to lead with compassion and impact.

🔗 Read the full message here: https://aosw.org/newsletter-article/presidents-message-12/

03/12/2026

Don’t sleep on insomnia. 💤 Sleep Awareness Week is March 8-14, 2026.

During Sleep Awareness Week, it’s worth highlighting a side effect that often gets overshadowed by more visible treatment challenges: insomnia.

Sleep disturbances are common for people navigating a cancer diagnosis. Treatment side effects, stress, and disruptions to routine can all make it difficult to get the rest patients need.

But sleep is essential to recovery, resilience, and overall well-being.

How do you support patients struggling with insomnia during cancer care? Share your resources and tips below. 👇

03/11/2026

🌟 Registration is OPEN for AOSW 2026! 🌟

Join us June 10–12 at the Portland Marriott Downtown Waterfront for an inspiring conference full of learning, networking, and fun. Earn up to 18.5 CE credits, connect with oncology social work professionals, and gain skills to take your practice to the next level.

💻 Member tip: Log in before registering to secure your member rate!

➡️ Register today: https://bit.ly/4bh4YBY