10-Year Commitment Provides Support for Humane Society and Additional Opportunities for Veterinary Assistant and Veterinary Technician Students
TUCSON, Ariz. – (October 29, 2020) – Pima Medical Institute’s $100,000, 10-year commitment to the Humane Society of Southern Arizona (HSSA) was instrumental in the construction of its new HSSA building located at 635 West Roger Road in Tucson. Pima Medical has collaborated with HSSA for nearly 20 years and through that partnership, veterinary technician and veterinary assistant students have worked to get hands-on training throughout their education. It is partnership of two mainstays in the Tucson area.
HSSA has served the southern Arizona community for more than 76 years and this new facility allows the organization to improve the lives, health and well-being of the animals it cares for and shelters. The building includes innovative and green building practices, including jumbo dog runs, several large off-leash play yards, a designated dog-walking path, indoor/screened outdoor cat habitats, solar-panel-covered parking, the use of existing native plant life in landscaping and rainwater harvesting.
HSSA’s Clinic Medical Director and Lead Spay/Neuter Surgeon Kathryn Halstead, DVM, CVA added, “The generous gift from Pima Medical Institute gave us the ability to expand our Clinic services to include low-cost wellness appointments and dentals for income qualifying families. In turn, we are keeping pets in families, giving real-life experiences to PMI’s dedicated students and overall continuing our mission of caring for pets and the people who love them. We couldn’t be more pleased with this ongoing collaboration.”
The gift made by Pima Medical was recognized on the new campus with a naming opportunity. The Welcome Center’s memorial yard is now officially known as The Pima Medical Institute Memorial and Tribute Yard, in honor of the gift.
According to HSSA, Pima Medical’s partnership has helped them achieve higher adoption rates and an increased caliber of care for housed animals by providing services such as spays, neuters, dental cleanings, nail trims and basic kennel cleaning.
“The ongoing partnership with the HSSA is something we are very proud of,” said Fred Freedman, President and CEO, Pima Medical Institute. “We have dedicated faculty who help with free surgeries and other pro bono veterinary services and many of our students rotate through the Humane Society as part of their clinical experience, gaining incredibly valuable skills and appreciation for the work being done behind the scenes at HSSA. The partnership is a win-win for our organizations, the community and animals in need.”
HSSA continues to grow and further its mission to care for animals in need in Tucson. Plans include the building of a new educational and behavioral center that will work with families and their pets to ultimately keep pets in their homes, with proper training.
Pima Medical Institute is proud to educate veterinary technicians and veterinary assistants in Tucson and at several of its other campuses across the Western United States. To learn more about programs and locations go to pmi.edu.
About the Humane Society of Southern Arizona
The Humane Society of Southern Arizona has served over 1 million pets since 1944. We take in pets from all over Southern Arizona, assisting smaller shelters by taking in hard-to-place pets and pets with serious medical needs – pets who might not otherwise have a chance at life. We heal their bodies and their hearts, and help them find loving forever homes. We believe in the power of community. Find out all the ways we can help you at our website, www.hssaz.org.
About Pima Medical Institute
Pima Medical Institute is an employee-owned, private, accredited school dedicated to providing students classroom studies paired with real-world training at medical facilities. Established in 1972, Pima Medical Institute helps students become career ready, focusing exclusively on healthcare professions, including medical, dental, veterinary and nursing fields. Curriculum includes certificate, associate degree, bachelor’s degree and master’s degree programs.
Pima Medical Institute operates 18 campuses as well as an extensive online curriculum. The medical career college has a presence in eight western states with the following ground locations: Albuquerque and Albuquerque West – Rio Rancho in N.M.; Tucson, Phoenix and two campuses in Mesa, Ariz.; Aurora, Denver and Colorado Springs, Colo.; Seattle and Renton, Wash.; Las Vegas, N.V.; Houston, El Paso and San Antonio, Texas; Chula Vista and San Marcos, Calif.; and Dillon, Mont. For more information and a complete list of programs offered at each campus, visit pmi.edu or call 1-888-442-5998.
Media Contact:
Diane Smith, PR and Communications Manager, Pima Medical Institute | dismith@pmi.edu | c: 480-320-0142