USask WCVM expands northern outreach program with support from PetSmart

The University of Saskatchewan’s Western College of Veterinary Medicine will be expanding its Northern Engagement and Community Outreach (NECO) program. The NECO program offers various services”including spay-neuter and wellness appointments”at remote clinics in regions such as La Ronge and ÃŽle à la Crosse. Upper year students who take part in the program receive cultural awareness and community education sessions, which include the opportunity to hear from community Elders about culture and history. “One of the first steps in this next phase of NECO is starting a needs assessment plan,” said NECO Registered Veterinary Technologist Katara Chanin. “We’ve been talking with communities and gaining an understanding of their main concerns, and that will flow into the next phase of determining education needs.” The expansion is supported by a $405K contribution from PetSmart Charities of Canada.