Students in WSU’s College of Nursing and the College of Veterinary Medicine teamed up this October to provide free healthcare services to low-income people or people experiencing homelessness and their pets. This year, over 60 people and their pets participated in the annual program held on the WSU Spokane campus.
This collaborative program between the two colleges began in 2018 and quickly became a popular event for students and community members. “When [students] started to work together, they really saw the benefit of helping each other out,” said Gail Oneal, BSN program director with the College of Nursing. “The vet students could see how keeping people healthy helps keeps the pets healthy and vice versa.”
In addition to providing free immunizations, health screenings, and simple treatments, volunteers distribute pet supplies and canned goods donated by students and the community. The program is also supported by community partnerships with the Spokane Regional Health District and the Multicare Community Partnership Fund.
