Well-Being Resources for Students, Faculty and Staff

March 27, 2020

Purdue Veterinary Medicine's Continuum Sculpture

A message from Psychologist and PVM Lead Therapist Colleen Maguire Jackson, Ph.D., HSPP

Hello PVM Family,

It is understandable if the outbreak of the COVID-19 virus and the adjustments we have to make to personal, professional, and academic lives are causing increased stress and anxiety.  This is a reminder that as we continue to make sure to wash our hands regularly and maintain appropriate social distancing, we should also be mindful of our mental well-being.  There are several resources that are being provided to help people manage their responses throughout this challenging pandemic.  I’m offering the following information and links that may be helpful as you navigate your own responses as well as for those who you are working so hard to support.  This is a time to emphasize self-care and not underestimate human resiliency.

  1. PVM Counseling and Wellness Services now has the capability of offering counseling services for students (who are currently located in Indiana) via teletherapy to help support them in this transition while upholding the Governor of Indiana’s Stay-At -Home Order.  Counseling sessions can be held either on the phone, or through a secure web-based platform.  To schedule an appointment, email pvmwellbeing@purdue.edu. (FREE). Please note that both PVM therapists are only licensed to practice in the State of Indiana.  For students who are currently out of state, please use the LiveHealth Online Psychology resource described below.  They have licensed therapists throughout the country, or you may get in touch with us and we will help you find a referral in your current location.
  2. LiveHealth Online provides online access to licensed therapists, psychologists and psychiatrists (controlled substances can’t be prescribed online).  If you are covered by Purdue Anthem BCBS insurance, visit: LiveHealth Online Psychology (This resource can be used by both students and Faculty/Staff enrolled with Purdue’s Anthem BCBS; please call the number on your insurance card to see if this service is FREE for your specific plan – see announcement here).
  3. Purdue RecWell will offer virtual wellness programs including Group X Fitness Classes, Cooking classes, Wellness Master Classes, Meditation Classes, Financial Coaching and Wellness Coaching, and Nutrition Consultations.  Click here for more information. (FREE for ENTIRE PURDUE COMMUNITY)
  4. For those of you who listen to podcasts, and/or have colleagues who listen to podcasts, this link from the AVMA has some very helpful information which is focused on wellbeing during the COVID-19 pandemic.  I’m sharing it here because I’m hoping you all will listen to it and share it broadly (it’s helpful for others outside of the veterinary profession as well):  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wellbeing-in-a-time-of-covid/id1455412037?i=1000468786878.
  5. These additional websites from the CDC and the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) also serve as helpful resources:

Take good care,

Dr. Maguire Jackson

Recent Stories

“Paws Up” – brought to you by the PVM Wellness Committee

This week, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Jim Weisman, assistant dean for clinical education and clinical associate professor, for his many years of dedicated service to the Purdue Veterinary Medicine community.

One Health Film Festival Features Purdue Veterinary Medicine One Health Research

The Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine has a longstanding commitment to One Health research and education. So it was natural for the college to agree to participate in a film festival orchestrated by an organization it is a member of called the Clinical and Translational Science Award One Health Alliance, or COHA.

PVM Puts Best Paw Forward at 2025 Open House Tomorrow

Lynn Hall will undergo a metamorphosis by nightfall tonight (Friday, April 11) as the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine prepares for the annual Open House tomorrow, Saturday, April 12. Planned by PVM students, the annual event will attract people of all ages who want to see animals and learn about animal health and the profession of Veterinary Medicine.

Upcoming Purdue Day of Giving Enables People and Pups to Unite for a Good Cause

Purdue University’s ever-popular 24-hour online-based annual fundraising effort – the Purdue Day of Giving – will take place Wednesday, April 30. That’s when Boilermakers across the world will have the opportunity to rally around this year’s theme of “All Hail!” – words taken from Purdue’s beloved fight song. For the College of Veterinary Medicine, this special day of giving will focus attention on ways Boilermaker alumni, fans and friends can support animal and human health and well-being by contributing to a variety of Purdue Veterinary Medicine funds.

Lucy’s Story

When an eight-year-old shepherd-mix dog named Lucy was injured after tragically getting struck by a car, co-parents Matt and Gretchen Walker were told that she would likely never walk again. That was over three years ago, in May of 2021. The Walkers, of Brookston, Indiana, had raised Lucy since she was a puppy, and knew that her life was nothing short of worth fighting for. “If she was willing to live, I was willing to do whatever it took,” Matt said as he recounted the story recently.