The APLB is honored to have been named 2024 Partner of the Year by NOMV (Not One More Vet) at its mini-conference and gala in Chicago on October 5, 2024. The award was presented by NOMV Executive Director, Gigi Tsontos.
Founded in 2014 by Dr Nicole McArthur, NOMV’s goal is to end suicide in the veterinary community by addressing wellbeing within the profession through education, resources, and support.
APLB President, Colleen Rolland, said:
“We are honored by this recognition from NOMV, an organization we deeply respect. Veterinarians and their staff deserve respect and support for their dedication to the health and welfare of our animal companions.
“Our partnership with NOMV began in 2022 when one of our volunteers, Nina Papazian, a veterinary social worker, forwarded me an email from a veterinarian in northern Ontario, Canada. It was an update to his clients about Covid 19 and his clinic. His email was both enlightening and heartbreaking as he described their updated protocols after two years of dealing with COVID-19. He went on to write candidly about the state of veterinary medicine – I was shocked and determined for the APLB to help in any way we could.
“Within two weeks we:
- Asked our volunteer chat room hosts to help visitors to our chat room reframe any anger towards veterinarians and veterinary support staff, and explain that anger is one of the stages of bereavement
- Enhanced the course materials for our Pet Loss Grief Specialist training on veterinary compassion fatigue, burnout and mental health challenges
- Provided veterinarians and support staff free access to our Professional Video Support Group
- Updated our website with useful links for those in the veterinary field.
“Shortly after, I met with Darlene Bos, the then Executive Director of NOMV and we found an immediate synergy. That was the beginning of this great partnership.”
