AVMF sends $25,000 to Kentucky to aid in animal disaster relief efforts
(SCHAUMBURG, Illinois) August 4, 2022 — In the wake of the devastating flooding in Kentucky that has claimed at least 37 lives and left hundreds more unaccounted for or homeless, the American Veterinary Medical Foundation is launching a fundraising effort to support the state’s veterinary community.
The AVMF has committed a gift of $25,000 to the Kentucky Veterinary Medical Foundation to support those providing emergency veterinary care, food, boarding and supplies.
“Shelters in the stricken areas are overwhelmed and many veterinarians are doing pro bono work for those that lost their homes and have pets that are injured and in need of care,” said Dr. Jose Arcé, President of the AVMF. “We encourage you to join us in supporting our colleagues and animal owners in Kentucky during this time of great need.”
“On behalf of the Kentucky Veterinary Medical Association, our veterinary community is very grateful for the donation from AVMF to help with the ongoing needs caused by the devastating floods in eastern Kentucky,” said Executive Director Debra Hamelback. ”Search-and-rescue operations are still ongoing, with many areas unreachable due to washed-out roads. Many people have lost everything when they had so little to begin with. This will be an on-going effort for rescue and clean up for weeks and months to come.”
Donations will help provide food, medical care, disaster relief, and emergency support for veterinarians providing care.
Here are links to resources for AVMA members who have been affected or are providing care:
- AVMF Disaster Grants for veterinarians impacted by disasters or those who are providing care to animals impacted by disasters
- AVMA Insurance: PLIT Professional Liability, Business and Personal Insurance for Veterinarians
About the American Veterinary Medical Foundation
The American Veterinary Medical Foundation (AVMF) is the charitable arm of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), one of the oldest and largest veterinary medical organizations in the world. For almost 60 years, the AVMF has been dedicated to developing resources to advance the science and practice of veterinary medicine to improve animal and human health. Foundation programs and activities are designed to benefit veterinary medicine, promote animal welfare, and enhance research so that the profession is better prepared to deal with difficult problems facing animal health today and tomorrow. Charitable contributions and support to the Foundation assist veterinarians and the entire veterinary healthcare team help animals. Our funding priorities include Education, Disaster Relief, Crisis Support, Charitable Veterinary Care and Animal Health Research.
About the AVMA
Serving more than 99,500 member veterinarians, the AVMA is the nation’s leading representative of the veterinary profession, dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of animals, humans and the environment. Founded in 1863 and with members in every U.S. state and territory and more than 60 countries, the AVMA is one of the largest veterinary medical organizations in the world. Informed by our members’ unique scientific training and clinical knowledge, the AVMA supports the crucial work of veterinarians and advocates for policies that advance the practice of veterinary medicine and improve animal and human health.