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We are all struggling to live our lives under the new reality of Coronavirus (COVID-19). The situation is a dynamic one. At times, it seems to be running a step ahead of the experts as information about the virus evolves. The VHMA has been working hard to pull together resources, organize information, and provide opportunities to support our members during these difficult times.

Summarized below is an overview of the efforts and actions the VHMA has taken in response to the crisis:

• The CVPM Board fully understands the magnitude of the global Coronavirus crisis and its implications. It has approved a number of accommodations to ensure that members do not lose their certification due to circumstances beyond their control. The accommodations include extending deadlines, waiving late and rescheduling fees and waiving the in-person CE requirement. These accommodations are limited and specifically targeted to individuals immediately impacted. CVPM Program Updates can be found here.

• VHMA staff has created a Coronavirus Resources page. Member discussions have been tagged and organized and samples of policies and resources are available in one easy to access location. Additionally, links to other industry resources and partner tools have been added. This resource is updated daily.

• The Program Committee is offering a series of Coronavirus pop-up webinars to educate members about changes in HR law, money management during a crisis, and strategies for helping staff stay positive in times of crisis. The first webinar was held on March 24 - Coronavirus-Employment Law Updates Managers Need to Know. The recording can be found in the OnDemand catalog. Coronavirus -Financial Matters Owners and Managers Need to Focus On is scheduled for March 31, and Coronavirus - Leading for Resilience in Times of Crisis will run April 9. Keep your eyes open for more.

• VHMA plans to offer the DISCOVER VHMA 30-Day Trial Membership program through the month of April to ensure that veterinary management professionals feel supported and have access to tools and resources to navigate the uncharted waters we are currently experiencing. Trial members who join the VHMA after the trial period concludes will be offered a pro-rated membership for the remainder of 2020.

• To support the human healthcare community, VHMA is assisting Veterinary Medical Association Executives (VMAE) by surveying managers and owners to gain a better understanding of the PPEresources available in the veterinary community.

• The VHMA April Management Survey will focus on trends in practices occurring during the Coronavirus pandemic.

Most importantly, please take care of yourself. Pushing back against sadness and depression as we are exposed to disheartening information is hard, but it is so important for all of you to remain strong for yourself and your families, friends, colleagues, staff, patients, and clients. Take time to treat yourself in little ways every day. Even though we are practicing social distancing, please do not distance yourself emotionally from your social network. Call, text, email, video conference, or even write a letter to new friends, old friends, and relatives.

If you are feeling overwhelmed by the situation, there are many online resources available:

• If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1.800.273.8255.
• If you need to talk to someone, The National Association of Mental Illness (NAMI) has assembled a list of Warmlines (emotional support hotlines) that can be found at https://www.nami.org/NAMI/media/NAMI-Media/BlogImageArchive/2020/NAMI-National-HelpLine-WarmLine-Directory-3-11-20.pdf
• If you need information about Alcoholics Anonymous Online groups, go to http://aa-intergroup.org/directory.php
• Narcotics Anonymous information can be found at na.org/?ID=virtualmeetings
• Contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Disaster Distress Helpline at (800) 985- 5990, which provides 24/7, 365-day-a- year crisis counseling and support to people experiencing emotional distress related to natural or human-caused disasters.

Finally, please be sensitive to the burdens of others. Should you suspect that someone you know is struggling, encourage them to seek help.

My thoughts are with all of you. Even in these dark days, it’s possible to find inspiration and acts of kindness in our daily lives. Here’s to noticing these little gems that can brighten the moment.

Michelle Gonzales-Bryant, CVPM
VHMA President