#VETMEDUNITED

On April 4th the SAVMA Wellness Committee invites veterinary students to unite in solidarity with the #VetMedUnited movement. Tuesday, April 4th will act as a day of remembrance of veterinarians and veterinary students we have lost to suicide. It is also a chance to raise awareness about mental health in our profession and take the time to celebrate what contributes to our personal wellness. We encourage SAVMA Chapters to join in vigil and establish campus events on this date to stand as #VetMedUnited.

One way to make the most of this event is to focus on positive factors contributing to personal wellness on the days leading up to April 4th, followed by a moment of silence, candlelight vigil, or other remembrance ceremony on April 4th. It is also an opportunity to promote resources such as counseling and/or suicide prevention hotlines.

The SAVMA Wellness Committee will also be kicking off a Wellness Spotlight in The Vet Gazette next month to showcase wellness events from veterinary medicine campuses nationally and around the globe. The goal of the Wellness Spotlight is to highlight examples of how campuses are contributing to the personal wellness of their students. Other campuses can then replicate those events or build ideas from them. 

One of every 6 veterinarians will consider suicide at some point during his/her career. To combat this statistic, let us stand together as #VetMedUnited. During your campus event, don’t forget to upload photos to social media using the hashtag #VetMedUnited. Spread the Word, Stand United, Help Each Other, #VetMedUnited.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline number (800-273-TALK)