Welcome From KASWEA

Dear Esteemed Colleagues, Partners, and Friends,

It is with heartfelt appreciation and warm greetings that we welcome you to the 2025 KIHASA-KASWEA Joint Summer Seminar, held under the timely and compelling theme: "Bridging Health and Social Care: Integrated Community Care Models in Korea and the United States (건강과 돌봄의 경계를 넘다: 한·미 지역사회 통합돌봄체계의 모델과 실천).” This collaborative seminar between Korea and the U.S. serves as a vital platform for knowledge exchange and partnership among educators, scholars, practitioners, and policymakers dedicated to advancing integrated care across national and disciplinary boundaries.

As President of the Korean American Social Work Educators Association (KASWEA), I am deeply honored to co-host this joint seminar in partnership with the Korea Institute for Health and Social Affairs (KIHASA). This collaborative effort exemplifies our shared vision to create systems of care that allow individuals to live and age with dignity, independence, and connection in their own homes and communities. Together, we will explore innovative community-based models that address long-term care, dementia support, and home-based services, while also examining the policy frameworks and service delivery mechanisms that make these systems both responsive and sustainable.

I extend my sincere thanks to all presenters, discussants, participants, and leadership teams from the KIHASA and KASWEA who bring rich insight, dedication, and compassion to this important dialogue. May our time together spark new ideas, deepen cross-cultural understanding, and inspire action that bridges health and social care more effective, both in South Korea and the United States.

Thank you for your presence and participation in this important joint seminar. I look forward to dynamic discussions and continued collaboration.

With respect and gratitude,

Suk-hee Kim, Ph.D.

President, Korean American Social Work Educators Association (KASWEA)

KASWEA Board of Directors