Anglo-American regulatory bodies’ alliance over mental health

The American Veterinary Medical Association and the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons have announced their intention to use the former’s Wellbeing and Peer Assistance Initiative and the latter’s Mind Matters Initiative to collaborate on projects to highlight the need for improvements in mental health and well-being.
Stuart Reid is the chairman of the RCVS’s Mind Matters Initiative, which has been running for three years now. He believes the two organisations working together will have a significant positive impact on those trying to improve mental health and well-being, and together they will be able to develop an evidence base and share best practice around interventions. Mr Reid said: “I firmly believe that, in collaborating with the AVMA, we will be able to address more effectively the pressing issues around mental health, and reinforce the many positives of working in such a wonderful profession.”
AVMA and RCVS have put out a joint statement that says: “We believe that, for veterinary professionals to realise their full potential and the global veterinary profession to remain sustainable, maintaining high levels of mental health and well-being for all members of the veterinary team is a priority. Improving veterinary mental health and well-being has a positive impact on individuals, the profession at large and, ultimately, animal health and welfare, and public health.”