“While this year’s experience may look a little different, our commitment to the health and well-being of our Associates has not changed,” said Angela Calderone, Vice President of People and Organization at BluePearl.

TAMPA, Fla. (PRWEB)
September 03, 2020

BluePearl Specialty and Emergency Pet Hospital today announced it is sponsoring the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s (AFSP) annual signature event, Out of the Darkness (OOTD), which unites more than a quarter of a million people across hundreds of U.S. cities to raise awareness of suicide prevention. To ensure Associate safety, BluePearl will not be participating as an organization in the OOTD community walks or onsite external events. Instead, BluePearl is encouraging individual participation through the launch of its Four S Challenge—a virtual call to action, offering four safe ways for Associates to support colleagues and the larger veterinary community.

BluePearl, which has more than 90 veterinary hospitals in 26 states that together employ more than 5,900 veterinary professionals, recognizes the need for professional programs and initiatives that support Associate health and well-being. In addition to sponsoring the OOTD Community Walks, BluePearl is developing veterinary social work programs in each of its markets, has five regional social workers, and recently launched the year-long health and well-being program: Micro Steps to Wellness.

“This is a cause BluePearl holds particularly close to its heart,” remarked Lori C. Harbert, MSW, LCSW, Director of Health + Well-being at BluePearl. “While social distancing and physical separation from family and friends can be difficult, it is causes like this that remind us that we are not alone and can support one another through even the smallest of actions. Together, we can help change the conversation about mental health and help put an end to the tragic loss of lives.”

BluePearl’s Four S Challenge comprises three physical challenges, including taking 10,000 steps, climbing 1,000 stairs, and/or performing 100 sit-ups, and one nonphysical challenge, sharing a story. Through these local, targeted efforts, BluePearl hopes to help the AFSP achieve its goal of reducing the annual suicide rate 20% by 2025.

“While this year’s experience may look a little different, our commitment to the health and well-being of our Associates has not changed,” said Angela Calderone, Vice President of People and Organization at BluePearl. “By supporting AFSP’s signature event, we are helping to remove the stigma surrounding mental health, bringing hope to those Associates who have been affected by suicide, and most importantly, saving lives. BluePearl is proud to once again sponsor Out of the Darkness, and I look forward to seeing our Associates’ participation throughout the month.”

Last year, BluePearl and its Associates raised a total of $50,000 to support the AFSP. Net proceeds fund the AFSP’s research, education, survivor, and awareness programs.

Learn more about how BluePearl is participating in this year’s OOTD experience here.

About BluePearl Specialty and Emergency Pet Hospital

Founded in 1996, BluePearl is one of the largest specialty and emergency veterinary practices in the U.S. today. BluePearl has more than 90 hospitals in 26 states that together employ 5,900+ Associates, including 1,160+ veterinarians, 1,650+ veterinary technicians, and 3,000+ other professionals. Each year, our compassionate teams provide high-quality care for over one million pets and their families. BluePearl clinicians also participate in clinical studies to discover new treatments and procedures that improve pet health. As part of the Mars Veterinary Health family of brands, BluePearl is committed to its purpose—A BETTER WORLD FOR PETS®—because pets make a better world for us. Learn more at https://bluepearlvet.com/.

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