Linda Gammage, MSW, LCSW, NHF’s 2002 Social Worker of the Year, passed away on December 26, 2018. She was 71 years old.
Linda graduated from Bradley University in Peoria, IL in 1976, and earmed her master’s in social work from the University of Illinois in 1987. She worked as a medical social worker for more than 30 years, with 16 at the Comprehensive Bleeding Disorders Center in Peoria, IL. She was a dedicated advocate for both her patients with bleeding disorders as well as her fellow social workers.
In 1997, Ms. Gammage created, with funding from CSL Behring (then Advantis) the Advance Social Work Conference for HTC social workers. Now in its 22 year and hosted by The Hemophilia Alliance, the conference was renamed the Linda Gammage Social Worker Conference in 2018. Ms. Gammage was also instrumental in the creation and success of NHF’s Social Work Insurance and Reimbursement Conference, established in 2006.
“Linda was one of the strongest advocates I know,” said Laura Mcginity, LMSW, chair of NHF’s Social Work Working Group. “We will be forever grateful for her leadership and mentorship to many of us.”
Ms. Gammage is survived by her husband, Bill, her son Bryan, and two grandchildren. Donations in her name can be made to The Hemophilia Alliance: Linda Gammage Social Worker Conference.