The Program for Pet Health Equity (PPHE) is expanding AlignCare, a health care system designed to improve access to veterinary care for underserved families, in Las Vegas and Reno, Nevada. Access to veterinary care is a national family crisis that disproportionately affects low-income families, extending across generations, ethnicities, and genders. A $373,771 grant is being provided by Maddie’s Fund^®, a national family foundation created to revolutionize the status and well-being of companion animals. 

“Access to veterinary care is a people problem that can only be solved when the community comes together to make change,” Dr. Michael Blackwell, the Director of PPHE explained. “Maddie’s Fund recognizes the impact pets have on families, community, and public health. Through the AlignCare system, we can better meet the needs of the human and nonhuman family members by aligning existing community resources.”

This grant will be utilized to grow the AlignCare Community Ownership Model (COM) to ensure the sustainability of AlignCare. The COM establishes a network of local veterinary service providers, social service agencies, animal welfare organizations, and funders to form a Community Council that oversees the AlignCare system at the local level. There are over 700 families currently enrolled in AlignCare in Reno and Las Vegas and this grant will enable the system to grow and serve more families in need of veterinary care.

Reno and Las Vegas are leading the way for other communities across the United States by having an AlignCare Director of Community Engagement within each community. This person plays a crucial role in building the foundation of the AlignCare system in the community through interprofessional collaboration, goal development, and strategy implementation. They are identifying and recruiting community partners to establish the AlignCare Community Council and grow the AlignCare system.

“The love of a pet should not be a privilege, and neither should access to health and veterinary care,” said Amy Zeifang, Board Chair, Maddie’s Fund. “AlignCare is helping to make sure all members of the family get the care they need and deserve, regardless of circumstances. We are proud to support them.”

If you are interested in learning more about AlignCare or serving on the AlignCare Community Councils in Reno or Las Vegas, NV, please contact ppheweb@utk.edu.

About Maddie’s Fund
Maddie’s Fund^® is a family foundation established in 1994 by Dave and Cheryl Duffield and is the fulfillment of a promise to their inspirational dog, Maddie. She provided them much joy for over ten years and continues to inspire them today.

The Foundation has awarded over $275.7 million in grants toward increased community collaborations and live outcomes, pioneering shelter medicine education and establishing foster care as a standard across the U.S.

Maddie’s Fund proudly offers the industry a national voice, important funding opportunities for bold ideas, learning resources and access to collaborate and share innovative solutions. The Foundation invests its resources in a commitment to keeping pets and people together, creating a safety net of care for animals in need and operating within a culture of inclusiveness and humility.

#ThanksToMaddie
Contact:  ppheweb@utk.edu  

University of Tennessee Program for Pet Health Equity 
https://pphe.utk.edu/ 

AlignCare Health
https://www.aligncarehealth.org

Maddie’s Fund
https://www.maddiesfund.org

University of Tennessee College of Social Work 
https://csw.utk.edu/