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Smith ’93 named N.C. Social Worker of the Year

Barbara “Bebe” Smith, MSW ’93,  has been named 2012 Social Worker of the Year by the National Association of Social Workers North Carolina Chapter (NASW-NC).

The award is granted annually to the individual who practices creditable social work in both professional and client communities.

Smith, co-director of the UNC Center for Excellence in Community Mental Health and a clinical assistant professor with the UNC Department of Psychiatry, has been committed to social work throughout her career.

She has focused on individuals living with mental health issues and has directed the services of the Schizophrenia Treatment Evaluation Program (STEP) clinic and the Outreach And Support Intervention Services (OASIS) Early Psychosis Program. Today she helps provide a community-based service, with the UNC Center for Excellence in Community Mental Health, to those experiencing serious mental health problems in Orange, Person, Chatham, Durham, Wake, Guilford, Alamance, Johnson and Wayne counties.

Smith was the recipient of the Community Partnership Award of Caramore Community, and honored by the Mental Health Association of Orange County as the Mental Health Professional of the Year.

She will receive her award on March 1 at the NASW-NC annual ethics conference and awards luncheon at the McKimmon Center in Raleigh.