Through this initiative, more than 7,000 BluePearl Associates have quick mobile access to domestic violence and self-harm crisis resources as well as suicide prevention lifelines

BluePearl Pet Hospital today announced the launch of a national health and well-being initiative aimed at bringing more support and resources to its Associates: The Key Chain Initiative. The goal of the Key Chain Initiative is to ensure that each of BluePearl’s 7,000+ Associates have access to life-saving mental health resources when and where they need it.  

Each key chain contains a QR code that when scanned brings the Associate to a list of domestic violence and self-harm crisis resources, as well as to suicide prevention lifelines. To ensure no Associate is left behind, and that resources are up-to-date, new key chains will be sent to hospitals annually.  

The concept of the Key Chain Initiative first came to the Health and Well-Being Team by way of an Associate suggestion. This Associate initially came across the idea through her husband, a military veteran, who similarly received a key chain that linked to mental health resources,” explained Lori C. Harbert, MSW, LCSW, CAGCS, Director of Health and Well-Being at BluePearl. “This initiative is a prime example of how the Health and Well-Being Team at BluePearl is working collaboratively with hospitals to continuously improve its support to have greater impact on Associate wellness. Together, we can help reduce the stigma around mental health and save lives.”

BluePearl hospital leadership and Wellness Ambassadors are responsible for facilitating Associate education on the new initiative. Wellness Ambassadors are volunteer Associates who serve as liaisons between BluePearl hospitals and the organization’s veterinary social work and leadership teams. 

We know we must make a career in veterinary medicine more sustainable. A large part of this effort means developing new and effective ways to enhance the mental health of our people,” remarked Jeffrey Horvath, Director of People and Organization at BluePearl. “Through the Key Chain Initiative, we hope to make resources more accessible and break some of the barriers that exist when it comes to attaining mental health support. When someone sees the key chain, it will help people to remember this is a safe place – one where we support one another in times of need.”

BluePearl’s Health and Well-Being Team consists of licensed social workers and a wellness trainer. In addition to one-on-one Associate support and in-hospital mental health programs and initiatives, BluePearl’s Health and Well-Being Team performs wellness checks on all hospital leaders to ensure they have the professional support they need when dealing with stressful situations, and so they can better support Associates within their practices.   

Learn more about health and well-being at BluePearl here. 

About BluePearl 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 100 hospitals in 29 states that together employ 7,000+ Associates, including 1,330+ veterinarians, 1,600+ veterinary technicians, and 4,100+ other professionals. Each year, our compassionate teams provide high-quality care for more than 1.1 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 BluePearlVet.com.