Tacoma Public Library has expanded its services to help connect patrons with assistance programs, led by social worker Samie Iverson, who focuses on building community relationships and providing flexible support. The program, which began with one employee and now includes interns from the University of Washington Tacoma, wants to make accessing social services as easy as checking out a book.

Ohio legislators who are trying to remove higher-education options from close-security prisons are making a mistake that further jeopardizes safety, writes social work assistant professor Laura Mishne Heller, who also works in a prison education program. "Prison education is not a luxury or a reward. It is one of the most reliable safety tools we have," writes Mishne Heller.

Manualized protocols for eating disorder treatment can oversimplify the complexities of the disorders, hindering effective treatment, writes licensed clinical social worker Judy Scheel. Treatment outcomes have improved modestly, with remission rates of 18% to 33%, and up to one-third of patients relapse. The authors of the manualized treatment materials that do succeed "approach eating disorders with versatility and foster greater breadth and scope of practice in the clinicians, particularly those newer to treating eating disorders," writes Scheel.

Mosques in the US are increasingly integrating mental health services to reduce stigma and make therapy more accessible. The All Dulles Area Muslim Society and the Islamic Center of Detroit are examples of mosques offering such programs, providing a combination of spiritual support and professional counseling. The My Mental Wellness clinic in Detroit was created to make therapy and other mental health pursuits more affordable and accessible for Muslim people.

President Donald Trump has introduced the Gold Card program, offering a $1 million pathway to US residency for wealthy individuals, claiming the program will further investment and reduce national debt. Kristie De Peña of the Niskanen Center proposes a Rose Gold Card to retain immigrant health care workers in underserved areas, in response to health care staffing shortages. The Rose Gold visa "would place licensed professionals in designated shortage areas, with renewable terms based on performance and continued need. It's a smart, responsive model for high-need, high-skill immigration," writes De Peña.

Enrollment in health plans through the Affordable Care Act is slightly higher than at this time last year, with almost 5.8 million people signing up within the first 29 days, according to the CMS. This increase comes despite the impending expiration of enhanced tax credits, which could at least double premiums for many subscribers.

The world is changing rapidly, driven by factors such as AI advancements, geopolitical tensions and climate challenges, which means that leaders at every level must develop the ability to pause, assess and act strategically, writes author and leadership expert Sally Percy. Leaders who foster curiosity, critical thinking and courageous decision-making will be best equipped to guide organizations through increasing complexity and uncertainty in 2026.

To advance as a leader, don't take on more work; instead, focus on being seen as someone who can influence the company's direction and contribute strategic insights, writes leadership coach Susan Mazza. By making intentional mindset shifts -- such as owning your value, shaping direction and positioning your expertise -- you can gain recognition for your judgment and vision. "Every time you shift from carrying the load to shaping the direction, your clarity and confidence rise -- and so does your visibility," Mazza writes.