Year One Impact During the summer of 2024, the OHC board hosted four events with support from the SAVMA grant, CityVet, VCA, VEG, and AzVMA. Students collaborated with the Tohono O’odham Nation and Pima County Public Health to organize two events where community members could sign up for spay/ neuter and local veterinary services while learning about additional resources Pima County Public Health offers. Dr. Shreve and Dr. Wesley attended both events to support the students. The team then brought two further events to local Tucson pet-friendly cooling centers: The Flowing Wells Library and the Salvation Army. In year one, students reached nearly 100 individuals and animals, thanks to the dedication of OHC board members Ginny
as unhoused people and their pets, are at increased risk. As Arizona summers become more prolonged and more extreme, unhoused populations and their pets face an increased risk of heat stroke and related health issues. The Beat the Heat campaign addresses this by offering education and practical resources to help people and pets stay safe during dangerous heat waves. What is in the kits? Community members attending events can fill drawstring bags with heat-resilience supplies tailored to their pet’s needs. Items include: Dog booties, collars, leashes, cooling towels, reusable water bottles, collapsible dog bowls, sunglasses, granola bars, and bottled water. The handouts created by OHC students have detailed information on recognizing and managing heat stroke in animals, local low-cost vet clinics, and pet- friendly cooling centers.
VETCAT INSIDER
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