OCSA Partners with Veterinarians to Raise Awareness
The Ovarian Cancer Symptom Awareness Organization (OCSA) is partnering with the Illinois State Veterinary Medical Association (ISVMA) to raise awareness surrounding the silent symptoms of ovarian cancer through the new OCSA Veterinary Outreach Program (VOP).The VOP offers a first-ever collaboration that is designed to open new channels of communication and raise awareness about the silent and often-ignored symptoms of ovarian cancer. With strong engagement and support from the Illinois Department of Public Health, leaders in the community and veterinary industry, will gather to recognize the Gateway Veterinary Clinic and clinic owner, Dr. Kurt Klepitsch, DVM, as the first official VOP partner at a private one-hour reception on Friday morning, January 25.
According to Peter Weber, executive director of the ISVMA, association members report that pet owners talking about their pet’s health often feel comfortable talking about their own health concerns. Supplied with knowledge surrounding the silent symptoms of ovarian cancer, VOP members can exponentially increase the number of individuals receiving the message, and help to save lives.
The VOP will inform urban and rural veterinarians, veterinary clinicians, and veterinary discipline students about ovarian cancer and its silent symptoms including bloating, pelvic pain, difficulty eating and frequent or urgent urination. Veterinarians and clinics can join the program for a nominal fee which covers costs for a start-up kit including educational displays and brochures regarding the silent symptoms, where to find more information, and how to find medical assistance.
November 6, 2012
The Ovarian Cancer Symptom Awareness Organization (OCSA) launched an innovative new awareness program at the 130th Annual Illinois State Veterinary Medical Association Convention in Lombard, IL on Sunday, November 4. The OCSA Veterinary Outreach Program (VOP) mission is “fighting ovarian cancer with animal passion,” and seeks to engage and collaborate with the veterinary community members who have immediate access to individuals already inclined to discuss health issues in their presence. The program will focus on raising awareness about the often-missed symptoms of ovarian cancer. In addition, OCSA also announced a new veterinary medicine scholarship program that will award three $5,000 scholarships beginning in 2013.
Read the full press release here.
