The American Pharmacists Association (APhA) raised nearly $12,000 for Paws for Veterans during the 2016 APhA Annual Meeting and Expo in March, in Baltimore, MD. To date, APhA has raised close to $42,000 for the organization.

“We are proud to be affiliated with Paws for Veterans and the work they do to help our service veterans.  I am excited to report that this is the highest amount we have ever collected at a single meeting,” said APhA Director of Expositions, John Russell.

Paws for Veterans is a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization providing psychiatric service dogs to veterans with Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). APhA has partnered with Paws for Veterans since 2012. They are the official Community Service Project (Friends in Pharmacy) for both the Joint Federal Pharmacy Seminar and the APhA Annual Meeting.

The program delivers an all-around lifelong support system focusing on a more natural alternative to healing our Veterans bodies and minds while, at the same time, saving the lives of shelter dogs that would otherwise be facing euthanasia.

During the Joint Federal Pharmacy Seminars and the APhA Annual Meetings, Paws for Veterans sends representatives, trainers and PTSD dogs to help raise awareness, educate attendees and collect donations.

APhA raised funds for the organization through a combination of individual event attendee donations, student pharmacists T-shirt sales, and contributions from event exhibitors.

“APhA has been our largest supporter to date.  We greatly value our partnership and we look forward to the continued growth of our relationship.” said Crystal Ayala, Paws for Veterans Executive Director / Lead Trainer.

To learn more about Paws for Veterans and to see how you can help, check out the website www.pawsforveterans.com.