North Central Health District

Providing Care to People and Pets at Macon-Bibb County Health Department

Posted February 14, 2024 by Michael Hokanson

Visit Healthcare for Both Ends of the Leash Pop-Up Clinic on Feb. 24

Macon-Bibb County Health Department (MBCHD), in partnership with People & Pets Project, is hosting a “Healthcare for Both Ends of the Leash” One Health pop-up clinic on Saturday, February 24th for community members and their pets. The event will be located at the health department, 1600 Forsyth St., from 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Medical students from the Mercer University School of Medicine will be onsite to provide the following healthcare services for people:

●        Blood pressure screening

●        Blood sugar screening

●        Review vaccination records

●        Offer COVID-19 vaccines

●        Make follow-up appointments

While medical staff attend to the owners, a licensed veterinarian will perform wellness exams and provide vaccines, including rabies shots, for their pets. Free microchips and pet food will also be offered.

Dogs must be on leashes and cats must be kept in carriers. Two pets per person.

All services are provided free of charge.

People & Pets Project, a Macon-based nonprofit organization, encourages community members to participate in routine health screenings by offering free veterinary care to their pets at each clinic. Janet Hendrickson, President of People & Pets Project and a nurse practitioner, noticed a distinct need to reach patients who often put the needs of their pets above their own.

“I have had many patients who will do things for their pets before helping themselves. Their pet is their family, and the strength of their bond is evident. By offering veterinary care side-by-side with their own care, it allows me, as a healthcare provider, the opportunity to connect with my patients in a much more meaningful way,” says Hendrickson.

MBCHD encourages all pet owners to take advantage of the free services offered at this event, particularly during American Heart Month, which is observed in February. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), heart disease remains the leading cause of mortality in the United States, leading to about 695,000 deaths per year.

Heart disease can manifest in different ways. Some common forms are:

●        Hypertension

●        Coronary Artery Disease

●        Heart Attack

●        Stroke

Routine checkups, blood pressure screenings, and management of diabetes are great ways to start reducing the risk of cardiovascular-related complications.

To learn more about the People & Pets Project, visit their website at peoplepetsproject.org.

For more information on services offered by the Macon-Bibb County Health Department, visit NCHD52.org/MaconBibb or call 478-745-0411.

Resources and fact sheets on American Heart Month can be found on the CDC’s page: cdc.gov/heartdisease.