NAVC launches global award program

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The North American Veterinary Community (NAVC) announced the establishment of NAVC Gives, an award program that will support and advance the veterinary profession and the well-being of animals and people across the globe. With the launch, NAVC committed $1 million to fund awards that will be distributed year-round.

"NAVC Gives is a unique grassroots award program that seeks to shine the light on those who are making a difference in the veterinary field – whether it's transforming veterinary medicine or saving one animal or person in distress in a local veterinary clinic. In addition to recognizing these accomplishments, we hope to make an impact on a personal level with a cash award," said Gene O'Neill, NAVC CEO, in an organizational release.¹

According to the release, NAVC Gives will support organizations, groups, and individuals worldwide that make a great difference in the lives of veterinary professionals, and the animals they care for.¹ NAVC Gives will also accept nominations year-round based on the merit and impact of the application with multiple awards given out throughout the year.

"Philanthropy and giving back to the veterinary community has been at the heart of the NAVC since our inception 40 years ago and we continue to find new and innovative ways to support and advance the veterinary profession and animal healthcare worldwide. By establishing the NAVC Gives awards program, we are able to expand our reach even further and ensure that the NAVC will be making a positive impact on the field of veterinary medicine for years to come,” O’Neil continued.

The new program will be board-direct and funded by a $1 million donation from the NAVC. The initial funding will be used to recognize and support the achievements, contributions, or performances of organizations and individuals within the animal health field.

"The NAVC has designated 2023 as the year of giving back. In honor of that commitment, the NAVC is proud to commit $1 million toward building a better veterinary community and further supporting the profession we love," said Bob Lester, DVM, NAVC Board President, co-founder, and chief medical officer of WellHaven Pet Health.

NAVC Gives is now accepting nominations and the first class of award winners will be shared during the Veterinary Meeting and Expo (VMX) in Orlando, Florida in January 2024.

Reference

The North American Veterinary Community Commits $1 Million to Fund New Global Award Program to Benefit Veterinary Profession and Animals Worldwide. News release. North American Veterinary Community. November 1, 2023. Accessed November 2, 2023. https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-north-american-veterinary-community-commits-1-million-to-fund-new-global-award-program-to-benefit-veterinary-profession-and-animals-worldwide-301974390.html