PRESS RELEASE: Animal Welfare Leagues of Alexandria and Arlington Announce “One Health” Wellness Initiative for Pets and People
Media Contact: Regina Hardter
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Animal Welfare Leagues of Alexandria and Arlington Announce “One Health” Wellness Initiative for Pets and People
$100,000 Grant from PetSmart Charities will support Clinics that Increase Assess to Veterinary Care in Underserved Areas
Northern Va. (May 6, 2021) — The Animal Welfare Leagues of Alexandria and Arlington are excited to partner for the joint “OneHealth Initiative,” launching in spring 2021. The One Health model of wellness acknowledges the interconnection between people, animals and the environment and seeks to address human wellness in the most holistic sense in the locations where people can best be reached.
As part of this initiative, partially funded by a new $100,000 grant from PetSmart Charities, the two organizations will host a series of health clinics, where participants can schedule time to have their pets seen by veterinary professionals while they receive support from a wide-range of human service providers.
“In the animal welfare field, we realize that the human-pet bond is so important, but people can’t care for their animals unless they also have the opportunity to care for themselves,” said Animal Welfare League of Alexandria Executive Director Stella Hanly.
“Our organizations have developed a number of programs to address the needs of pet owners and this OneHealth initiative is a natural extension of the work we’re already doing to keep pets in homes where they are loved,” said Sam Wolbert, president and CEO of the Animal Welfare League of Arlington. “We know pets have an enormously positive impact on our health and wellness, and during these challenging times that bond is more important than ever.”
Health events will be held across both localities, and dedicated staff will split their time between Arlington and Alexandria, strengthening bonds with local service-providing organizations and connecting with underserved communities in locations where they can best be reached. As well as providing care to humans and animals at these events, participants will also have access to pet supplies, spay or neuter vouchers and behavioral support, to help address any concerns that could lead to future crises or relinquishment.
“We’re excited to partner with Animal Welfare Leagues of Alexandria and Arlington to support their OneHealth wellness initiative,” said Aimee Gilbreath, president of PetSmart Charities. “We know that access to veterinary care is essential for all pet owners and are proud to partner with organizations making a direct impact in often overlooked and underserved communities. As many families continue to feel the economic impacts of the pandemic, our goal is to eliminate as many barriers as possible to ensure that pets stay healthy with the people who love them.”
“We are ready to take our support of pet owners in the community to another level”, said Ashley Hay, director of Community Support, “These new wellness clinics, modeled on OneHealth principles, will be one more step we are taking to keep pets and their people together. The pandemic has deeply reminded us that the health of our neighbors, humans or animals, is deeply connected to our own health. By supporting both the humans and animals at these clinics, in whatever ways we can, we are serving the greater public health”.
Local health clinics will launch this spring, with the goal of assisting hundreds of pets, as well as the people who love them.
“So many of our residents give their heart and soul to their pets, even if it means making difficult decisions about their own health or finances,” said Joanna Fortin, Animal Welfare League of Alexandria director of Community Programs. “With our OneHealth clinics, we can finally reach those people and their pets in one location, to help ensure that everyone receives the level of care that they deserve.”