Banfield Pet Hospital announced ASK (Assess, Support, Know), a program that helps veterinary professionals recognize and address emotional distress and suicidal thoughts in themselves and others. Observing that one in six veterinarians consider suicide, Banfield will complete these three efforts by January 6, 2020:
- Close schedules at all Banfield hospitals for two hours to facilitate mental health and wellbeing training for its more than 19,000 hospital associates
- Make ASK training available for free to the entire veterinary profession
- Share the training as a free resource with all U.S. veterinary colleges
Source: Rural Marketing News, September 23, 2019. Link. “At Banfield, delivering high-quality preventive pet care is a top priority, but just as important is extending that same preventive care to our people,” said Brian Garish, president, Banfield Pet Hospital.
INSIGHTS: THANK YOU Banfield for sharing your resources across the industry. The efforts will complement resources offered by the American Veterinary Medical Association. The work is also supported by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
Also see: Self care isn’t selfish, 93.1 FM|WIBC News, September 23, 2019. Link.