News Release
For Immediate Release — July 27, 2009
Animal-assisted Therapy Program to Hold
Meeting for Potential Volunteers
NEWPORT, Tenn. — A free informational meeting for those interested in becoming volunteers with Human Animal Bond in Tennessee (HABIT), an animal-assisted therapy program, will be held at the Newport Community Center, Saturday, August 8, 2009, from 10:30 a.m.- 12:30 p.m. Doors open at 10:00 a.m. for registration.
HABIT is a non-profit group of volunteers working together to promote the bond between people and animals. As a program of the UT College of Veterinary Medicine, HABIT sponsors animal-assisted therapy programs for all ages in a variety of settings such as nursing and retirement homes, assisted living centers, hospitals, physical rehabilitation centers, and area schools.
The volunteer orientation/informational meeting will take place at the community center located at 433 Prospect Avenue, Newport, Tennessee, 37821.
For liability purposes, attendance at an informational meeting is required before a person can become a HABIT volunteer. Attendance does not imply any obligations. Please do not bring any pets to this meeting.
This meeting is open to anyone with a general interest in animal-assisted therapy. There is no fee or advanced registration required. However, please call the HABIT office (865-974-5633) if you plan to attend to ensure enough handouts are available. For further information and directions, contact Ruth Sapp, East Tennessee HABIT Program Coordinator at either habit-et@utk.edu or at 865-974-5633. The program’s website is www.vet.utk.edu/habit.
One of 28 veterinary colleges in the United States, the UT College of Veterinary Medicine educates students in the art and science of veterinary medicine and related biomedical sciences, promotes scientific research and enhances human and animal well-being.
In addition to the programs of the College of Veterinary Medicine, the UT Institute of Agriculture also provides instruction, research and public service through the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, the UT AgResearch system of ten research and education centers and UT Extension offices in every county in the state.
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Ruth Sapp, East Tennessee HABIT Program Coordinator, 865-974-5633,
habit-et@utk.edu
Sandra Harbison, Media Relations, College of Veterinary Medicine
865-974-7377, sharbiso@utk.edu