The Purdue University School of Veterinary Medicine will launch a Good Samaritan Endowment Program to provide veterinary care to low-income residents in the Indianapolis area. The program is funded by a $100,000 anonymous donation made by an Indianapolis woman and a matching $100,000 donation given by Elanco Companion Animal Health of Greenfield, Ind. Purdue School of Veterinary Medicine dean Willie Reed. The program will provide basic wellness and routine treatment, such as vaccinations and heartworm prevention, for animals whose owners reside in and around Marion County, Ind., and who cannot afford veterinary care. Fourth-year veterinary and veterinary technician students will have an opportunity to learn through hands-on experience. “With the difficult economy, more and more families are being financially stressed, and there is great need for the Good Samaritan project,” Purdue School of Veterinary Medicine dean Willie Reed. “It also will be an opportunity to introduce young people from families involved in the program to careers in veterinary medicine. These children may not otherwise learn about the possibility of a veterinary medical career.” In addition to the Purdue School of Veterinary Medicine and its Veterinary Teaching Hospital, three Marion County veterinarians will help administer the program. The veterinarians, all Purdue graduates, include: Philip Borst, DVM, of the Shelby Street Animal Clinic; John Schnarr, DVM, of the Irvington Pet Clinic; and Gail Dallas, DVM, of the West 56th Street Veterinary Hospital. More information on the program can be found on the Purdue Veterinary Medicine School website.
