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Media Release: Canadian Veterinary Medical Association Expands Mental Health Initiatives for Members and Students by Adding 24/7 Peer-to-Peer Support from Togetherall
Feb 7, 2022
CVMA complements existing wellness programs and resources for Canadian veterinarians by offering free access to a clinically monitored, anonymous online community
OTTAWA, ON (February 1, 2022)—Members of the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA), including all Canadian veterinary school students, can now join the Togetherall platform—a powerful mental health support resource available at no cost, anytime and anywhere they have internet connection.
Offering the opportunity to improve mental wellness by receiving and providing support, Togetherall is an online peer-to-peer community supported by integrated services and safety nets—including anonymous interactions and supervision by licensed mental health practitioners—that empowers members to openly share their innermost thoughts and feelings in an inclusive environment.
According to Ontario Veterinary College researchers, approximately two in five Canadian veterinarians has experienced burnout, and one in five has experienced mental illness or suicidal ideation during their career. Recognizing the incredible emotional and physical toll the veterinary profession can and does take on an individual, the CVMA has established a strong voice in elevating awareness and is committed to ensuring members and students have the education and support they need. In addition to partnering with Merck Animal Health for It’s Time to Talk About Mental Health in Veterinary Medicine Awareness Week each September, the CVMA offers members a wellness resource toolkit that continually evolves with the changing needs of the veterinary community. Thanks to funding provided by Western Financial, the CVMA has been able to advance this mission by offering Togetherall to all Canadian veterinary students and CVMA members.
“Despite the disproportionately high percentage of veterinary professionals who report mental health challenges, many of them are reluctant to discuss their concerns with others and even less likely to adopt self-care strategies or seek professional help,” said Dr. Kathy Keil, Chair of the CVMA Wellness Advisory Group. “In the Togetherall community, there’s no stigma to reaching out for support because users interact anonymously with each other. Moreover, our members and students have the reassurance of connecting with others like them, who understand the challenges of the profession as well as shared lived experiences that are just a part of life, whether you are a veterinarian or not. We are excited to empower our members and the next generation of Canadian veterinarians to seek help from their peers with the built-in safety net that Togetherall offers.”
“Western Financial Group is proud to recognize our long-term partnership with the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association, and its members across the country, by sponsoring access to the Togetherall community,” said Grant Ostir, Chief Business Development Officer at Western Financial Group. “As insurance experts, Western Financial recognizes that providing peace of mind and supporting wellness go hand-in-hand. Mental health affects everyone in very different and personal ways. Having resources such as Togetherall to share and heal as part of a community – we could not be more pleased to sponsor this important venture.”
“At Togetherall, we really try to home in on populations that are more vulnerable to depression, anxiety, stress, isolation and other mental health challenges,” said Matthew McEvoy, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Togetherall in North America. “The veterinary profession is an incredibly noble one that, consequently, comes with many risks to mental wellness as these service providers face death, illness, sometimes animal abuse or homelessness, long hours, hectic work environments, and more daily. It’s no wonder this community demonstrates higher rates of behavioral health problems. We are proud to help CVMA members and students navigate through the challenges so they can pursue their career passion in a way that contributes to their overall well-being.”
By engaging Togetherall’s services, the CVMA joins a robust list of partners, including organizations in the corporate, education, health and non-profit sectors, benefiting from the unique peer-to-peer platform. Through these partnerships, Togetherall is available to more than 10 million people worldwide. In a 2021 survey of Togetherall users, nearly 50 per cent said they joined because of the anonymity feature, while 40 per cent said they were attracted to Togetherall for its safety and moderation by professionals. Three out of four survey participants cited depression or low mood as the main issue that prompted them to seek support. More than one-third of those surveyed reported Togetherall as the only mental health support they are using, including from loved ones.
CVMA members and current Canadian veterinary students can access the service from the CVMA website.
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About Togetherall:
Founded in 2007, Togetherall is a leading online mental health service that provides millions of people throughout the United States, Canada, U.K. and New Zealand, access to community and professional support 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The service is proven to help those who are struggling with stress, isolation, anxiety and other common mental health issues. Togetherall partners with organizations in the corporate, education, health and non-profit sectors. To learn more, visit togetherall.com/en-ca/.
About Canadian Veterinary Medical Association:
The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) is the national and international voice for Canada’s 15,000 veterinarians, providing leadership and advocacy for veterinary medicine. Visit canadianveterinarians.net to learn more about the CVMA.
For more information, please contact:
Matthew McEvoy
SVP and General Manager, North America
Togetherall
Lori Ahronson
Manager, Communications and Public Relations
Canadian Veterinary Medical Association
lahronson@cvma-acmv.org