Just announced last week, we’re thrilled to share that Maddie’s Fund^® has granted The University of Tennessee College of Social Work Program for Pet Health Equity (PPHE) $3.4 million to expand AlignCare’s national reach.

AlignCare is the nation’s first OneHealth healthcare system addressing the needs of people, their pets, and their ecosystem. The program’s mission is to improve access to veterinary care, especially those with limited means, while aligning other community resources for the whole family.

Founder Dr. Michael Blackwell (recipient of the 2020 Avanzino Leadership Award) shares in the press release by University of Tennessee, “These funds will now help ensure further improvements and implementation of community ownership to achieve the sustainability a healthcare system requires. By taking a OneHealth approach, AlignCare brings into line existing resources and activities in a community to ensure a focus on the whole family which includes non-human family members struggling to access veterinary care due to low-socioeconomics. Collaboration amongst social service and public health agencies, veterinary practices, veterinary social workers, and funders is key to ensure families receive the care they need.”

AlignCare is currently implemented in eight pilot communities; Phoenix, AZ; Knoxville, TN; Asheville, NC; Buffalo, NY; Las Vegas, NV; Reno, NV; Raleigh-Durham, NC; Spokane, WA, and in progress in four additional communities.

Read the full press release and be sure to register for Maddie’s^® Candid Conversation with Dr. Blackwell on November 10, 2021.