July 02, 2025

#31 - Dr. Michael Blackwell on increasing access to services in the animal field

1 hour 3 minutes

In this episode of the Research Bites podcast, Dr. Spaulding interviews Dr. Michael Blackwell, Director of Pet Health Equity at the University of Tennessee. The discussion centers around the intersection of veterinary care and public health, emphasizing how financial and systemic barriers affect access to veterinary services, particularly for low-income and BIPOC families. Dr. Blackwell introduces Align Care, a program designed to subsidize veterinary care through community-supported fund accounts, and highlights the benefits of case management over strict enforcement in animal control policies.

The episode also delves into the importance of diversity within the animal welfare field, effective strategies to make it more inclusive, and the pioneering role of veterinary social workers in supporting pet owners' mental health. This insightful conversation underscores the need for systemic changes and community involvement to improve the well-being of pets and their families.

00:00 Welcome to Research Bites
01:19 Introducing Dr. Michael Blackwell
03:02 Dr. Blackwell's Journey and Mission
04:36 The Intersection of Veterinary Medicine and Public Health
07:12 Mental Health and Veterinary Medicine
11:26 Racial Disparities in Animal Welfare
17:13 Challenges in Animal Control and Sheltering
26:05 Improving Diversity in Animal Welfare
32:56 The Importance of Inclusive Public Health
35:56 Introducing Align Care: A Solution for Veterinary Subsidies
36:25 How Align Care Works: Structure and Goals
41:26 Community Involvement and Funding for Align Care
45:15 Align Care's Impact on Shelters and Local Governments
50:20 Behavioral Services and Align Care
53:31 Veterinary Social Work: Supporting Pet Owners
59:12 Future Directions and Final Thoughts