As a result of an effort spearheaded by the National Association of Federal Veterinarians, at least a dozen states, including Indiana, are recognizing November 3 as One Health Day. Governor Mike Braun issued a proclamation to that effect for Indiana, contributing to a growing national movement to advance collaboration among health professionals, veterinarians, agricultural and environmental scientists, policymakers, and communities.
The gubernatorial proclamation notes that One Health is defined as the collaborative effort of multiple health and social science professions, together with their related disciplines and institutions – working locally, nationally, and globally – to attain optimal health for people, domestic animals, wildlife, and our environment. In addition it emphasizes that Indiana is a national leader in advancing One Health through collaboration across human, animal, agricultural, and environmental health, including Purdue University’s One Health Strategic Initiative, the Indiana Department of Health, the Indiana Center for Animal Policy, and the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. Also noted is Indiana’s growing life sciences and agricultural sectors that provide a strong foundation for innovation at the intersection of human health, animal health, agriculture, and the environment.
Moreover, the proclamation highlights the way Indiana’s commitment to One Health strengthens the state’s ability to prevent and respond to emerging infectious diseases and other human threats, protect Indiana’s agricultural economy and food supply, and promote healthy communities and ecosystems. It also points out that the Indiana Department of Health and Indiana State Board of Animal Health have demonstrated the value of coordinated One Health surveillance and response, including through collaborative efforts addressing highly pathogenic avian influenza and other diseases that affect both animals and people.
Other states issuing One Health Day proclamations include New Jersey, Oregon, Rhode Island, Mississippi and Maine. The Indiana proclamation invites all citizens to duly note the occasion on November 3. Playing an instrumental role in the effort to have One Health Day recognized in Indiana was a recent Purdue DVM graduate, Dr. Paige Rudin Kinzie of the Class of 2026, who worked with the National Association of Federal Veterinarians to spearhead the push for an Indiana One Health Day proclamation. Underscoring the importance of One Health practices from her perspective as a veterinarian, Dr. Kinzie shared, “The health of our communities and families is inextricably tied to the health of our animals and our environment, which is the essential core of One Health concepts. In Indiana, it’s been exciting to see this approach recognized and integrated into forthcoming research and development, with Purdue University leading at the forefront.”
