Concerned Colorado Veterinarians
Achieving balance in physical, mental and professional health is a challenge for everyone in our society. Chemical impairment – where one's use of alcohol or other drugs interferes with the ability to function professionally, socially, or in personal relationships – affects one out of every ten persons in the United States. Threats to mental health abound, from dealing with everyday stress to "burning out" and considering career change.
To assist members of the veterinary healthcare team in dealing with substance use disorders and mental health issues, members of CVMA have formed Concerned Colorado Veterinarians. CCV is comprised of recovering and concerned members of the veterinary community who wish to help others in a return to wellness – before harm has occurred to the individual or the patient, and before practice and license issues arise.
The purpose of CCV is to confidentially assist and provide resources to members of the veterinary community who are concerned about physical, mental or emotional problems in themselves or in colleagues. While CCV members are not professional counselors, they can provide intervention services and help in identifying the type of professional assistance needed.
CCV will encourage members of the veterinary community, about whom caring others have expressed verifiable concerns of impairment, to voluntarily seek professional assessment. A cornerstone of the CCV approach is absolute confidentiality and discretion.
A leading partner in the CVMA wellness initiative is Peer Assistance Services (PAS), a not-for-profit organization headquartered in Denver with a 20-year history of providing prevention and intervention programs to the health professions. PAS offers:
- Assessment and referral – A comprehensive process that results in matching the individual with the appropriate treatment as well as other resources in the community.
- Short-term problem resolution – Provides assessment and short-term counseling to an individual not requiring referral to outside resources.
- Case management and monitoring
- Compliance reports
- Facilitated peer support groups – Peer support groups are confidential forums to deal with issues for health professionals recovering from addiction or mental health conditions. Support groups are available in Colorado Springs, Denver, Durango, Fort Collins, Grand Junction, Greeley, and Pueblo. A virtual group is also available.
- 24-hour phone assistance – Professional staff are available 24 hours per day, seven days a week through a toll-free number (1.866.369.0039).
PAS programs are designed for healthcare workers who have problems with substance use disorders, mental health, emotional and physical conditions that could affect practice. This program can address other issues that may impact practice, such as family stressors, legal and financial difficulties, regulatory board concerns and problems at work.
While some of the services PAS provides are on a fee for service basis, many services are free due to grants received by PAS to support the health professions. Additional information about PAS is available on their Web site at www.peerassist.org.
Contact CCV
In need of help? Contacting CCV is the first step in emerging from a seemingly hopeless trap through a kind, caring and confidential process. If you – or someone your care about – needs help, call Ralph Johnson at the CVMA office at 303.318.0447. Mr Johnson will connect you to a CCV member who has offered to assist you in the return to wellness.
Peer Assistance Services Testimonial
Reprinted with permission of the veterinarian and Peer Assistance Services.
Dear Peer Assistance,
As a veterinarian and an alcoholic, I cannot stress enough the impact that you have had on my recovery and professional development. When I first came to Peer Assistance, I only had a few months of sobriety. Although I was already active in AA, I was not working as a veterinarian nor did I know any other health care professionals in recovery. I was particularly apprehensive about trying to find a job as a veterinarian since it would be necessary to inform my employer about my alcoholism and resulting contract with Peer Assistance. With the encouragement of Donna Lindsey and the members of my Peer Assistance support group, I obtained the courage and knowledge that I needed to re-enter the workplace. With their help, I have learned not to be ashamed of my disease. I have also come to realize that many other health care professionals, including dentists, pharmacists, nurses and other veterinarians, have been in my shoes, and are currently gainfully (and happily) employed with their employers' full knowledge of their disease and recovery. Over two years ago I didn't know whether I would live or die. I had been hospitalized five times for alcohol poisoning, been in three inpatient treatment centers, had lost my driver's license as well as my license to practice veterinary medicine. My family had practically given up on me ever getting sober. Today I have been sober for two years, I have a job practicing veterinary medicine, and am healthy physically and psychologically. In short, I have never in my entire life been healthier or happier than I am today. Programs like Peer Assistance Services have played an integral part in my willingness and desire to stay sober and recover. – A recovering veterinarian
|
