The Black Hawk College Veterinary Technology Program showed its appreciation to the Kewanee Henry County Humane Society (HCHS) by awarding the non-profit organization the 2024 Award of Excellence in Advancing Veterinary Medicine. For over four years, HCHS has partnered with Black Hawk College to provide services to over 150 animals, while helping train dozens of veterinary technology students. The annual award honors animal resource partners of Black Hawk College whose work has significantly contributed to advancing veterinary medicine.
The partnership “has supported our students with amazing opportunities to fulfill over 300 educational and nursing skills,” said Dr. Colleen Lewis, lead veterinarian for the BHC program.
“Each animal that we see from the humane society is different,” Dr. Lewis said. “Our students teach them social skills, monitor their caloric intake and weight gain, bathe them when they’re stinky, and love them unconditionally.” “We wouldn’t be able to provide such a large scale of medically necessary procedures without you,” Dr. Lewis said when she presented the award.
The partnership allows vet tech students to experience some of their first physical examinations, vaccinations, bloodwork, anesthesia administration, surgical assistance with spays and neuters, fecal and dewormings, heartworm tests, and preventive medications.
The Henry County Humane Society–Kewanee Chapter is a no-kill animal shelter and a 501(c)(3) charity organization. For more information, visit www.hchskewaneeshelter.org.