Christiane C. Long, PhD, LCSW

08/06/2026

This article resonates with what many of us see every day. Implicit bias and stigma continue to influence how people with substance use disorders are treated, often creating barriers to compassionate, evidence-based care. At the same time, I don't think the blame belongs solely with individual providers. Chronic funding shortages, understaffing, burnout, and limited resources have created a system that struggles to meet people's needs. We need to address both the bias and the broken systems if we want better outcomes.

https://www.npr.org/2026/08/06/nx-s1-5845162/addiction-treatment-overdose-deaths?utm_campaign=npr&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_medium=social&utm_term=nprnews&fbclid=IwY2xjawThvhVwZG9mBWV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR44dIvkNjprmjsn1N0BsvyzyTvaaCOabxiJsm9tXqTRpl3wEex14Tvu3b6ltQ_aem_CKn5yA5fTP1Yrf9JXhQxxg

Addiction treatments are safe, effective — and rarely offered to patients. That's because many doctors and nurses still view people with alcohol or drug addiction with suspicion and hostility.

07/31/2026

Excited to be with some of the best minds and hearts in the social work community here in Arkansas. Let's go.

Coffee? ☑️
Sticky notes? ☑️
Big ideas? ☑️
Today we start SWAC's annual Board Retreat! We're taking time to reflect on where we've been, identify where we're headed, and build a strategic plan that will guide our work over the next year.
Behind every event, advocacy effort, and opportunity is a dedicated, volunteer team working hard to strengthen our profession and support social workers across Arkansas.
Stay tuned—we're excited for what's ahead! 💙

07/29/2026

07/21/2026

🌡 Extreme heat isn't just uncomfortable, it can be dangerous. As temperatures continue to climb across Arkansas, please remember that heat-related illness can affect anyone, but older adults, young children, people with chronic health conditions or disabilities, outdoor workers, those without reliable air conditioning, and individuals experiencing homelessness are especially at risk. If you're able, check in on a friend, family member, neighbor, or community member. Sometimes a simple text, phone call, or offer of a cool place to rest can make a significant difference.

In Northwest Arkansas, cooling shelters are available during qualifying heat events through:
• The Salvation Army of Northwest Arkansas (Fayetteville)
• 7hills Homeless Center (Fayetteville)
• The Salvation Army Emergency Shelter (Bentonville)

In addition, the City of Fayetteville is distributing cooling kits that include water, electrolyte packets, cooling towels, and personal fans for those who need them. If you're anywhere in Arkansas and need help finding a cooling center or other heat-relief resources, simply dial **2-1-1**. They can connect you with local services in your area.

A few heat safety reminders:
* Drink plenty of water—even before you feel thirsty.
* Spend time in air-conditioned spaces whenever possible.
* Limit outdoor activity during the hottest part of the day.
* Never leave children, older adults, or pets in a parked vehicle.
* Check on neighbors, especially those who may be living alone or without adequate cooling.

Our physical and mental well-being are deeply connected, and extreme heat can take a toll on both. Taking care of ourselves and looking out for one another is one small way we strengthen our communities. Please share this post so more people know where to find help and how to stay safe.

07/20/2026

I am excited to share that my newest publication is now available in the Journal of Human Behavior in the Social Environment - Preparing BSW Social Work Students for Social Justice Advocacy.
Social justice advocacy is a defining value of our profession, but it's also a skill that must be intentionally developed. As social work educators, we have a responsibility to prepare students not only to support individuals, but also to recognize systemic barriers, engage in advocacy, and work toward meaningful social change. In this article, my co-authors and I explore practical strategies for integrating advocacy education into BSW curricula and strengthening students' confidence and competence as future advocates.
I'm grateful to my co-authors and everyone who continues to invest in advancing social work education. I hope this work contributes to ongoing conversations about preparing the next generation of social workers to lead with courage, critical thinking, and a commitment to justice.
🔗 Read the article here: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/10911359.2026.2705971?scroll=top&needAccess=true

07/15/2026

I'm excited to be presenting two sessions at the SWAC Summer Summit this August alongside an incredible lineup of social work leaders from across the country.

Therapy Doesn't Happen in a Vacuum: Ethics, Power, and the Therapeutic Relationship (August 14)
Therapy doesn't exist outside of culture, policy, or lived experience. This session explores the ethical implications of clinician "neutrality," the influence of power and privilege within the therapeutic relationship, and how our identities, values, and the broader sociopolitical context shape the work we do. We'll discuss how authenticity, cultural humility, and relational ethics can strengthen the therapeutic alliance while honoring our ethical obligations as social workers.

The Ethics of Leaving: Professional Courage in Social Work Leadership (August 28)
I'm especially excited to co-present this session with my colleague, Haleigh Parks Trotter. Together, we'll explore a question that many social workers quietly wrestle with: When is leaving the most ethical choice? Whether navigating toxic workplace cultures, value conflicts, exploitative leadership, or burnout, social workers are often taught to sacrifice themselves in the name of service. We'll examine the ethical tensions surrounding professional departures, discuss how organizational culture affects practitioner well-being, and reframe leaving as an act of integrity, leadership, and advocacy when systems no longer align with our professional values.

These conversations are especially timely as our profession continues to navigate workforce challenges, organizational change, and increasing demands on social workers. I hope you'll join us for thoughtful discussion, practical strategies, and an opportunity to reflect on what ethical practice looks like in today's world.
The SWAC Summer Summit takes place every Friday in August and offers up to 12 CEUs across four days of learning.
I hope to see you there!

07/06/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1DHdTDYYbQ/

☀️🚒💊Heat Safety Starts Before You Step Outside

Did you know that several common medications can increase your sensitivity to heat or make it harder for your body to cool itself?

During periods of high temperatures, certain medications may increase the risk of dehydration, heat exhaustion, or heat-related illness.

Review the information below, stay hydrated, and be mindful of how your body responds when spending time outdoors.

If you have questions about your medications, consult your doctor or pharmacist before making any changes.

06/25/2026

Excited to keep working for Arkansas 💪🏼

✨ Introducing the FY27 Social Work Action Coalition Board of Directors ✨

As SWAC prepares for a new fiscal year, we are excited to welcome and celebrate our FY27 Board of Directors — a dedicated group of social workers, advocates, organizers, and leaders committed to strengthening the social work profession and advancing meaningful change across Arkansas.

Please join us in welcoming:

Co-President: Christiane Long, PhD, LCSW
Co-President: Haleigh Trotter, LCSW, PMH-C
Vice President: Jeremy Stark, LCSW
Secretary: Katherine Ray, MSW
Treasurer: Amanda Childs, LCSW
Director of Communications: Alyssa Guffey, LCSW
Director of Policy and Advocacy: Mackenzi Foreman, LCSW, PMH-C
Director of Workforce Advancement: Justin Laffoon, LCSW
Director of Leadership Advancement: Alishia Ferguson, PhD, LMSW
Statewide Organizing Coordinator: Kristen Dobbs-Davis, LCSW
Regional Organizer: Rashele Wade, DSW, LCSW
Regional Organizer: Susan Okroglic, DSW, LCSW
Regional Organizer: Vena Schexnayder, MSW, CSAC-A

As we move into FY27, we also want to hear from YOU. SWAC is seeking input from social workers, helping professionals, students, advocates, and community partners across Arkansas to help shape our priorities for the year ahead.

Share your thoughts, hopes, and ideas with us here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeJa3bcLYvbrTjzywpJmGa9yGMe6e1nT8LEW3JxukHwn3TDhA/viewform?usp=header

Together, we can build a stronger, more connected, and more action-oriented social work community in Arkansas. 💙

04/01/2026

Social Workers, social work students, and social work adjacent fields are welcome to join us next week for a policy engagement day event!

📣 Join us for SWAC Policy Engagement Day!
Want to better understand how policy shapes your work — and how you can shape policy? This virtual event is designed for social workers ready to step into advocacy, leadership, and public service.
•Learn how legislative processes work
•Build skills for communicating with legislators
•Explore your role in shaping public policy
🗓 April 10, 2026
⏰ 11 AM – 1 PM (Virtual)
*registration link in comments*
This is more than an event — it’s a step toward collective impact.
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