On this episode, our guest Dr. Michael Blackwell explains the concept of OneHealth and the importance of caring for both animals and their caretakers to promote wellness throughout the community, with a particular emphasis on services for communities lacking in resources. Family health does not stop at the humans or the animals, but involves both. And this must incorporate mental and physical health care.

A collaborative effort between veterinarians and social workers is important in providing a comprehensive program for long term results and not just a “spot fix”. And this approach has broad benefits to the environment, diseases, and even the current shelter overpopulation problem.

Dr. Blackwell is the Director of the Program for Pet Health Equity in the Center for Behavioral Health Research at University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and is also the Director of AlignCare Health Inc.

Mentioned in this episode:

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