Kirsten White, Ph.D, a section head and clinical assistant professor, and other leaders from the Shreiber School of Veterinary Medicine joined forces with company executives from Merck Animal Health in Rahway to unveil the school’s new Shelter Medicine & Community Engagement Mobile Unit on Nov. 18. 

With the help of $500,000 from Merck, the school is rolling out a custom-built brown and gold 40-foot Freightliner with the goal of bringing life-saving services to underserved communities. 

Not only will the new mobile unit be able to transport White and six other people, but the unit is equipped with a surgical suite, exam space, and recovery cages. It will offer prospective veterinary students an opportunity to join faculty in a hands-on community outreach initiative. One of them is located in Camden, NJ. 

White says her goal is to offer those communities services provided on the unit such as preventative care, vaccinations, minor illness treatments, and spay/neuter surgeries at no or low cost.

“Camden for example, is a desert for veterinary care. By collaborating with local organizations, we’re ensuring that pets and their families in these areas are receiving the services they desperately need,” said White. “Many of the pet owners we serve are incredibly dedicated but face significant barriers, from financial constraints to transportation and cultural mistrust of medical systems.”

The Shreiber School of Veterinary Medicine’s overall vision extends beyond the classrooms and mobile units in traditional veterinary care. White and other staff members like Phil Barnes, director of public relations & communications for the school, are passionate about enhancing the overall health and well-being of pets and their owners.

“This is a long-term project and we would love to see what this brings to our underserved communities,” said Barnes.

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