A furry friend can add happiness to a person’s life. Through their constant companionship,

wagging tails, and unconditional love, pets make a genuine difference in people’s lives. Gates Mills resident, Dr. Anna M. van Heeckeren (aka Dr. Anna) knows this truth firsthand. As a veterinarian, she has seen how four-legged friends benefit their pet parents.

Since 2014, One Health Organization has made a significant impact, helping over 2,000

households and facilitating over 3,000 veterinary visits through 64 participating clinics. With

over $380,000 in veterinary care provided, they support low-income clients without compromising the sustainability of veterinary practices.

Dr. Anna, the founder, president, and CEO of One Health Organization, started the non-profit in

2008, inspired by the One Health concept. This concept emphasizes the interrelationship

between human, animal, and environmental health. "As a veterinarian, it was an exciting

concept because I recognize that people in human health often don't realize the importance of veterinarians in keeping people healthy" says Dr. Anna. Veterinarians play a crucial role in preventing diseases that can spread from animals to people, ensuring food safety, and protecting human health through rabies vaccinations, parasite treatments, and other preventive measures. Dr. Anna continued, “And as an animal lover, keeping animals in our care

healthy is also important to me.”

One Health Organization is a 501(c)(3) public nonprofit registered in Ohio. “We help struggling

pet parents across Northeast Ohio with vet bills,” explains Dr. Anna. “We know that when your

pets are healthy, your home is a happier, healthier place to be.”

They also provide resources to pet parents through their website, publications, digital media,

and public events. The organization also offers financial support to low-income pet parents

living in seven counties in Northeast Ohio, including Cuyahoga County. Eligible pet parents

receive veterinary voucher cards worth up to $250, which they can use at participating clinics.

One Health Organization ensures vet care was provided and reimburses veterinarians for their

pet’s care.

The organization’s website offers a wealth of resources on pet care, including finding low-cost

spay/neuter services, low-cost pet food, temporary pet foster care, euthanasia assistance, and

finding new homes for pets. One of the most sought-after resources is financial support for

veterinary care.

Valerie DeCurtis, a 73-year-old “Dog Mom,” is one of many success stories that highlights the

organization’s impact. Valerie contacted One Health Organization for financial assistance to

care for her beloved dog, Winston, a Goldendoodle. Winston was having trouble defecating and

required expensive surgery or euthanasia.

Valerie explains, “He was diagnosed with an enlarged prostate gland. I found another Vet to get

a second opinion. I’m sorry but I couldn’t believe nothing could be done! The Vet did x-rays & said there was one more thing to try...FINASTERIDE! And it works! He’s been on it since & no

issues.”

With the help of One Health Organization’s Veterinary Care Vouchers, Valerie could afford a

drug treatment that worked, saving Winston's life. “Winston is my protector as my husband is

in a nursing home,” adds Valerie. She couldn’t be happier with the vouchers and saving her

beloved dog’s life.

Dr. Anna shares that making a difference through One Health Organization brings immense

satisfaction. "It makes me feel like a productive member of my community, helping people and

their pets. That’s why I became a veterinarian. Our role as veterinarians is to support public

health, which is huge for me. It’s a win-win for me as a public health servant," she says. The

organization does not restrict the kind of care provided, allowing pet owners to make informed

decisions with their veterinarians eased by financial support.

One Health Organization accepts donations in any amount and offers various ways to contribute, including IRA distributions and stock donations. For those wanting to leave a lasting

legacy, the organization can be included in wills.

For more information or to get involved, visit One Health Organization's website at onehealth.org, call 216-920-3051, or send mail to One Health Organization, 27600 Chagrin Blvd, Ste 400, Cleveland, OH 44122-4449. The organization operates Monday through Friday, 8:30 am - 5:30 pm, and is closed on weekends.

One Health Organization continues to provide invaluable support, resources, and hope to pet

parents and their four-legged friends in Northeast Ohio. Their work ensures that pets receive

continuous care and that people can keep their beloved companions healthy and happy.

Thank you, Dr. Anna, for making a difference for pets and their pet parents through One Health

Organization. She has helped countless pet parents and their furry friends to date and many

more to come!