Fall Registration Is Open: The Working Mind & MHFA Courses

FALL REGISTRATION IS OPEN!

This email includes discussion of suicide and other mental health crises. If you need immediate support, call or text 988 to reach the
Suicide Crisis Helpline.

School buses are warming up, lunchboxes are making a comeback, and for many of us, that "back-to-school" feeling is in the air. This autumn, the CVMA WIDEA RISE Program is offering several continuing education opportunities focused on mental health and well-being.

Don't wait to register, these courses are popular and often sell out quickly!

The Working Mind

Did you know that nearly 10% of veterinarians and 18% of veterinary support staff experience serious psychological distress at work?

The Working Mind, presented by the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA), hosted by Opening Minds of the Mental Health Commission of Canada, and sponsored by Petsecure, provides practical, evidence-based tools to help veterinary professionals recognize changes in mental health, build resilience, reduce stigma, and support one another using the Mental Health Continuum. Whether you're a team member or a leader, these courses will help you build the skills to create a more psychologically healthy and supportive workplace.

Please visit our website for more information about The Working Mind Course.

Mental Health First Aid

This course is presented by CVMA, hosted by Opening Minds of the Mental Health Commission of Canada, and sponsored by Merck Animal Health. It's an internationally recognized certification course that teaches practical skills to recognize, respond to, and support someone experiencing a mental health challenge or crisis, including suicide risk.

Veterinary professionals are often the first to notice when a colleague is struggling and many of us aren't sure what to say or how to help. Build the confidence and competency to have the conversation that could make all the difference.

Register now for the October 7 & 8, 2026 course from 1:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. ET (both days). This is a virtual, instructor-led course facilitated by Alexandra Myers, Registered Psychotherapist. Open to everyone working in the Canadian veterinary profession.

CVMA Members: $70 | Non-members: $140

Questions? Email Dr. Kathy Keil WIDEA Director kkeil@cvma-acmv.org

Suicide Prevention in Veterinary Medicine:

Building A Community of Safety and Support

When: September 10, 2026 at 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Join Dr. Alena Gadoury and Dr. Kat Williams, veterinarians and founders of VetHerd, for an important conversation about suicide prevention in the veterinary profession. Drawing on Dr. Gadoury's PhD research into suicide prevention among veterinarians and VetHerd's industry-focused approach to supporting veterinary professionals, this webinar will explore risk factors affecting the profession, current suicide prevention efforts, and practical skills that individuals can use to help keep themselves and others safe. Suicide is preventable, and everyone has a role to play. By attending, you'll contribute to a growing Canadian network of veterinary professionals committed to fostering connection, safety, and life-saving conversations within our community.

In recognition of World Suicide Prevention Day, Merck Animal Health and CVMA have partnered with VetHerd to offer this free, one-hour webinar as part of their Time to Talk About Mental Health in Veterinary Medicine initiative.

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. Please add the information to your calendar.

The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association is the national and international voice for Canada’s veterinarians, providing leadership and advocacy for veterinary medicine.

This email includes discussion of suicide and other mental health crises. If you need immediate support, call or text 988 to reach the ﻿﻿Suicide Crisis Helpline.

Suicide Prevention in Veterinary Medicine:

Building A Community of Safety and Support

This email includes discussion of suicide and other mental health crises. If you need immediate support, call or text 988 to reach the
Suicide Crisis Helpline.