EVAH - Enhancing Accessible Veterinary Care in London
Enhancing Accessible Veterinary Care in London: A Success Story of Community Support and Technological Advancement
During the COVID-19 pandemic, community service organizations across Canada faced significant challenges. To support these groups as they adapted to the pandemic's long-term impacts, Community Foundations of Canada, Canadian Red Cross, and United Way Centraide Canada collaborated to distribute a one-time investment of $400 million from the Government of Canada through the Community Services Recovery Fund (CSRF).
London Community Foundation distributed $1.3 million through the CSRF to help organizations in London and Middlesex be better equipped to improve the accessibility and sustainability of their services. East Village Animal Hospital-London (EVAH-London) is one of the community groups that has made significant improvements thanks to the Community Services Recovery Fund.
Animal Outreach applied for and received a $50,000 CSRF grant through London Community Foundation. With the grant, Animal Outreach purchased a digital radiography (X-ray) system from Calico Medical Incorporation (CMI), complete with necessary computer hardware, software, and IT communication capabilities. The X-ray is now being used effectively at EVAH-London to provide improved diagnostics for cats and dogs.
"The Community Services Recovery Fund has enabled us to modernize our diagnostic capabilities significantly," said Dr. Martha Harding, Facility Director, EVAH-London. "The new digital X-ray system is more efficient and versatile and enhances the quality of care we provide. It has positively impacted our team's morale and the overall work environment."
Prior to the upgrade, EVAH-London relied on outdated film-based X-ray equipment, which was time-consuming and inefficient, especially as sedated pets had to remain still for prolonged periods. The new digital system offers superior diagnostics, enabling swift and accurate assessments, and easy referral to board-certified radiologists when necessary.
The project also led to a successful partnership with Calico Medical. The initial funding request was for $100,000 aimed to equip both EVAH-London and EVAH-Kitchener, but only half was funded. Recognizing the importance of this upgrade, Calico Medical and EVAH-Kitchener negotiated a one-year, interest-free loan for the purchase and installation of a used digital X-ray system at EVAH-Kitchener, to be funded through clinic revenues.
Reflecting on the project's impact, Dr. Harding shared, "The modernization of our X-ray capabilities is a game-changer. It represents a significant step forward in our mission to provide accessible veterinary care. The support from the Community Services Recovery Fund and Animal Outreach has been instrumental in achieving this milestone."
By modernizing their diagnostic tools, EVAH-London can better serve their community, ensuring that lower-income pet owners and animal rescues have access to top-notch veterinary care. This successful project highlights the power of community support and the importance of continual adaptation and modernization in the field of veterinary care.