NOMV’s List Finding Help When You Need It

One way NOMV works to elevate veterinary well-being is through empowering individuals and teams to find and engage with support programs specific to their needs. Since we first began providing direct financial support to individuals in 2017, NOMV has identified several common areas of need for veterinary professionals and organizations. Listed below are some tools and tips related to these areas of need, as well as links to apply for one of our available grants.

Individuals

Many of the most active and accessible social service organizations operate on a local scale. United Way is a global network of service groups organized by community. NOMV strongly encourages all individuals to check with their local United Way for many of the needs described here.

person holding miniature house in hands

Housing

  1. National Domestic Violence Hotline
    1. Domestic Violence, sometimes called Domestic Abuse or Intimate Partner Violence, impacts tens of millions of people each year in North America. The resources below may help you find local housing and support services as part of a Safety Plan.
      1. Domestic shelter directory
      2. NDVH Local Resources Search
  2. Utilities
    1. Many utility providers participate in state or national programs that help low-income customers. These can be found through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program
      1. A directory of disconnection policies by US state can be found here
    2. The US Government administers its Lifeline Support services to help with phone and internet for qualified low-income individuals. Check eligibility here
    3. Individual water utilities frequently offer their own low-income or other Customer Assistance Programs (CAPs). Contact your utility provider directly for the best information about availability and eligibility in your case.
  3. Rent/mortgage assistance
    1. In addition to the many local housing assistance programs connected with United Way, the US Department of Housing and Urban Development maintains information here.
    2. Many local Salvation Army Corps provide emergency and support services, including rent and utility assistance.
    3. Housing counselors provide advice on financial issues related to home ownership. Search here for counselors near you. Note that some counselors may charge fees for their services
    4. Some disputes between renters and landlords are best resolved through legal means. Some states provide financial assistance for low-income clients.
woman using fork and knife to eat salad at restaurant

Food

  1. Most food banks in the US are operated locally. Keeping track of all of them can be a challenge, but between 211 and FeedingAmerica many of these locations are listed online
  2. Pet food assistance programs exist to support low-income pet parents, and food banks more broadly. Currently, there is no national database of these programs so the best option is to contact your local animal welfare organization for availability.
woman performing yoga pose on top of mountain

Physical/Mental Health

  1. In the United States, up to 1 in 3 individuals struggle to afford medication. Even veterinary professionals with health insurance can be shocked by the cost of medications from time to time. We've created this brief guide to some of the ways that U.S. healthcare patients might save money on prescriptions.
  2. The cost of care is a significant source of stress for many patients in the US. Whether or not you have insurance, rising out-of-pocket expenses are impacting the mental and physical health of veterinary professionals.
    1. RX Assist Patient Assistance Program provides US healthcare patients with search tools to find programs that may help reduce medication costs
    2. Talk to your provider about financial assistance and support. Many hospitals, especially non-profits, have programs available
    3. HealthWell Foundation provides financial assistance for medical costs, and has disease-specific funds for some conditions
    4. PAN Foundation offers a variety of grant programs to accelerate access to treatment for those who need it most and empower patients on their healthcare journey
  3. Professional Health Programs (PHPs) are available to licensed medical providers in 47 states and DC as non-punitive interventions for behaviors that could impact public safety, especially involving substance abuse, mental health, and behavioral health disorders. Veterinarians have access to these programs in 26 states, while Vet Techs are included in at least 6. Use the guide above, or contact your state's licensing board to inquire about availability.
aerial view of illuminated interchange at busy intersection

Transportation

  1. An unfortunate fact of US life for workers is that access to many support services is connected to having a job. In acknowledgement of that fact, NOMV believes that promoting veterinary well-being includes transportation assistance
    1. This National map shows transportation providers across the US. Search by address to find available support programs near you. If your location is serviced, contact those agencies to learn about potential assistance programs
    2. Missing car payments has a negative impact on credit scores, and can make financial stewardship even more challenging. If you have a loan you're struggling with, ask your lender about available "hardship options."
woman using calculator while looking at various spreadsheets

Financial Support

  1. The efficacy and promise of direct financial support or cash assistance programs have made it a popular tool for poverty intervention for decades. NOMV is not affiliated with any of the following programs and cannot comment on an individual's eligibility.
    1. Paisley Paws
  2. Most pets are considered family by their humans, but many pet-related expenses are not included in traditional support services. NOMV has compiled this list of services specific to pet-related expenses
  3. Direct financial support and cash assistance can only do so much in cases of instability. Managing personal finances are skills that can be learned. Not all consumer advice is created equal, and it is important to critically evaluate sources. Consider where all financial advice is coming from, and whether it makes sense for your particular situation.
man using pen to fill out application

Apply for a Grant

NOMV's Support Grants provide direct financial assistance to help veterinary professionals stay in the industry. These grants are intended to be a short-term investment to address particular needs impacting veterinary well-being.

Organizations

Trying to manage an organization through a natural disaster or other unexpected disruption can feel incredibly overwhelming. Whether you're responding in real-time or planning ahead for the future, this guide from AVMA is a great place to start organizing your thoughts and thinking about next steps.

two women discussing something on laptop screen in officd

How to Find Relief Staff

Leveraging relief staff is a great way for organizations to add flexibility to the workforce, especially following unexpected disruptions. A growing number of organizations specialize in matching teams in need of relief staff with veterinary professionals that are available to help. These services can help mitigate some of the administrative work of onboarding relief staff. Alternatively, many state and provincial veterinary boards maintain classified ads or other support for individuals providing relief services.
businessman dialing phone number in office

How and When to Contact Your Insurer

  1. Insurance policies exist for a reason. When unexpected disruptions impact operations, your insurance agents are critical resources to help you guide your response. Every policy is different, but most claims go through the following process:
    1. After ensuring physical safety of all, but before beginning to clean up, start a thorough documentation process. Include an inventory of all supplies, equipment, and facilities that have been lost or damaged. Take more pictures than you think you need, and know what each of them represents. Documentation helps you stay organized through the recovery
    2. Reach out to your business insurer to file a claim and report the loss. At this point, they will likely reassign a claims adjuster to your case who will work with you to assess damages and explore next steps. In the US, most states have regulatory departments that can help provide guidance in working with your adjuster as well.
woman checking through inventory using clipboard

How to Replace Lost Inventory

Inventory loss in the veterinary profession creates special challenges: you simply can't wait to replace food and drugs critical to patient care. Be sure to document the cost of replacing inventory as expenses above and beyond regular operations. Outside of NOMV's Emergency Grants, AVMF offers a variety of disaster relief interventions including direct grants. It can also be worthwhile to connect with suppliers about any programs they may offer. Note that NOMV is not affiliated with AVMF or AMVA and cannot comment on their granting process.
woman smiling while using laptop

NOMV's Emergency Grants

Access NOMV's Emergency Grants here

  1. Prioritize awards that allow veterinary workplaces to maintain or resume operations following significant, unforeseen events that disrupt the ability to provide services
      1. Natural disaster
      2. Infrastructure failures (power, water, gas outages)
      3. Public health management (quarantine, including zoonoses impacting ag sector)