Veterinary Wellness

GVMA Resilience & Well-Being Committee (formerly “Wellness Committee”)

The Resilience & Well-Being Committee’s charter is to identify, verify, assist and support veterinarians, family members or staff members who are impaired by reason of their addiction to or abuse of drugs, including alcohol. The committee also serves as an advocate for the impaired person with the family, state board, peers, employers and government enforcement agencies.

If you are thinking of harming yourself, PLEASE, PAUSE and:

• Call 911.
• Call a suicide prevention line (800) 273-8255 or (800) 784-2433.
• Call your local county crisis line (see website for list of counties and phone numbers).
• Talk to your friends or family…tell them you need their help.
• Call a mental health care provider. Give them a chance to help you.
• Call your primary care provider.
• Talk with someone at Lifeline Crisis Chat.
• Join the AVMA Wellness Community.

For help with substance abuse call The Georgia HELPLINE at 1-800-338-6745.

If you think someone might harm themselves, or take their own life, TAKE THIS SERIOUSLY:

• Call 911 if you think it appropriate. Err on the side of caution.
• Call a suicide prevention line (800) 273-8255 or (800) 784-2433.
• Call your local county crisis line (see website for list of counties and phone numbers).
• Dedicate to helping in whatever way you can, without sacrificing you own well-being.

Thanks to a partnership between the Georgia Veterinary Medical Association and QPR Institute Inc., GVMA members receive FREE Question-Persuade-Refer Suicide Training

Member Assistance Program

We are providing a valuable benefit to all members and their immediate family known as the Member Assistance Program (MAP). We have partnered with McLaughlin Young Group, an independent provider of MAP services. There is no enrollment required and you are eligible to use the MAP through McLaughlin Young as of January 1, 2019.

The MAP offers help for personal and/or professional concerns by providing free, confidential, short-term counseling and personal consultation. Additionally, the MAP provides work-life resources for such issues as legal and financial consultations, online learning and resources. They are a network of counselors that are conveniently located. They can help you improve or resolve personal difficulties whether big or small, personal or work-related.

Some examples of concerns that the MAP addresses include:

• Family conflict
• Depression and anxiety
• Relationship issues
• Work-related issues
• Grief and loss
• Alcohol or drug use
• Stress
• Legal and financial issues

Confidentiality is one of the most important features of the MAP. No one will know that you have used this resource unless you offer that information or unless someone’s safety is threatened.

There is no cost to GVMA Members for your phone calls or face-to-face visits with the MAP. The Georgia Veterinary Medical Association covers all expenses for member access to this program.

GVMA Members, please take advantage of this wonderful benefit! The MAP staff at McLaughlin Young is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, ready to assist you. Remember, the MAP is always a good place to begin.

Additional Resources

NOTE: The information contained in these self-help documents is not to be used as a substitute for professional care. Neither the authors nor the Georgia Veterinary Medical Association (GVMA) assume liability for injury incurred by following the information presented in these self-help resources.