Welfare, women, and families: implications for clinicians

Although the 1996 welfare reform law signaled a most profound shift in US social policy, clinicians do not fully appreciate the potential impact this legislation could have on patterns of health and the provision of health services to millions of American women and children. The data presented in this issue of JAMWA point to definitive steps clinicians can take to provide optimal care for their patients. First, we must commit to educating ourselves and others who care for patients about the nature and potential impact of welfare reform. Second, we must devise efficient and effective ways of identifying and addressing these needs in our clinical settings. Third, clinicians should use their experience to effectively advocate for their patients on individual and population levels. As clinicians, we have no choice but to respond to the social forces that so profoundly affect the health of the families we serve; we must take advantage of our capacity to make substantial contributions to the health and well-being of our patients.