As a member of the Texas Veterinary Medical Association (TVMA), you have exclusive access to the Texas Veterinary Medical Foundation (TVMF) Disaster Relief Fund. This invaluable benefit is designed to provide critical assistance to veterinary clinics impacted by disasters and to support the emergency medical care of animal victims.

With hurricane season upon us, it’s a timely reminder that TVMF is here to support your clinic in the event of a natural disaster. Whether it’s fires, floods, tornados or hurricanes, the Disaster Relief Fund exists to help you and the animals you care for during such challenging times. Notable instances in which the fund has provided relief include:

• Hurricane Harvey
• COVID-19 pandemic
• Eastland Fires
• Hurricane Ian
• North Texas Tornadoes
• Panhandle Wildfires

Veterinarians serve as pillars in their communities. The Foundation’s Disaster Relief Fund helps veterinarians recover swiftly so they can continue to serve their communities effectively. TVMF initiated these disaster grants to ensure veterinary professionals have the resources needed to bounce back after a disaster and to continue providing essential care.

Testimonials from Beneficiaries
TVMA member Dr. Kelley Kays expressed profound gratitude when receiving a disaster relief grant from TVMF, saying, “The best thing out of this storm was all the human kindness and generosity that was shown. The best of human nature was seen; my gratitude is immense. These funds will enable me to help many more animals in the future.”

Similarly, TVMA member Dr. Scott Robbins said, “Thank you so much for all your efforts and assisting us in receiving a disaster recovery grant from TVMF. This disaster has been trying for everyone, and I’m sure many clinics have been affected, some worse than others. We had significant damage to our clinic, and this grant is greatly appreciated. It will aid in our quick recovery so we can get back to business caring for all of our clients, friends and families’ pets who also have been significantly affected by this historic event.”

How To Access the Disaster Relief Fund
As a TVMA member, you have the exclusive benefit of accessing this fund. This support can significantly impact how quickly and effectively you can return to providing care for your patients and your community. Applying for relief is straightforward; you can apply online or contact us for more information. Remember to save the Foundation’s Disaster Relief Fund information in your disaster preparedness plan. Being prepared and knowing where to turn for help can make all the difference when disaster strikes.

The Importance of Preparedness
In the face of natural disasters, preparedness is crucial. The TVMF Disaster Relief Fund is a key resource in your disaster preparedness plan. Having access to this fund means that, even in the worst situations, you have a lifeline to help you through.

TVMF recognized the critical need for immediate support for veterinary clinics affected by disasters. These clinics provide essential medical care to animals and play a pivotal role in the well-being of the community. When a disaster strikes, the impact on a veterinary clinic can be devastating, affecting the business and the many animals and families relying on its services.

By offering disaster grants, TVMF aims to:

• Ensure that veterinary clinics can recover swiftly and continue their operations
• Provide necessary resources for the emergency medical care of animal victims
• Support the broader community by enabling veterinary clinics to remain operational

Support in Action
The Disaster Relief Fund has been instrumental in helping veterinary clinics across Texas recover from various disasters. For instance, during Hurricane Harvey, many clinics were flooded, and the damage was extensive. The Disaster Relief Fund provided immediate assistance, allowing these clinics to repair their facilities and replace damaged equipment. Similarly, during the Eastland Fires, the fund helped directly affected clinics continue to operate and provide care to animals in need.

How You Can Help
As a member of TVMA, you have a unique opportunity to benefit from the Disaster Relief Fund and to contribute to its continued success. By supporting the fund, you help ensure it remains a robust resource for the entire veterinary community in Texas.

In addition to applying for relief, we encourage all TVMA members to:

• Include the Disaster Relief Fund in your clinic’s disaster preparedness plan
• Stay informed about the resources available to you through TVMF
• Share information about the fund with colleagues who may not be aware of its benefits

By being proactive and prepared, you can help ensure that your clinic and your community are ready to face any challenges that come your way.

Whether you are recovering from a hurricane, dealing with the aftermath of a fire or facing any other natural disaster, the Disaster Relief Fund is here to help. Apply for relief, include the fund in your disaster preparedness plan, and consider making a donation to support your colleagues and the broader veterinary community.

For more information, visit www.tvmf.org/Disaster or call 512-452-4224. Together, we can ensure that Texas veterinarians are prepared for anything and continue to provide the essential care our communities depend on.