The Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs awarded about $220,000 in grants to service dog and equine therapy programs, two of which are in Montgomery County.
Each of the seven programs throughout the state will receive $31,000. The programs focus on improving the mental health and well-being and reducing the risk of suicide among veterans.
Lifeline Horse Rescue and Rehabilitation in Gaithersburg will use the money to support its mental health and equine specialist to provide equine-assisted psychotherapy for veterans. It will also fund professional training and certification for two staff members.
Warrior Canine Connection in Boyds will use its grant to establish a dog service training program at a Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correction Services facility. Dog training will be used to support incarcerated veterans.
“We are excited to see that our partners at the Warrior Canine Connection have been awarded one of these grants,” said Maryland Department of Natural Resources Secretary Josh Kurtz. “The Warrior Canine Connection has a facility where they raise and train puppies on 80-acres in Seneca Creek State Park.”
In a news release, Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Tony Woods said, “Working in partnership with our state legislature and nonprofit organizations, the Maryland Veterans Service Animal Program is improving the behavioral health of our veterans.”
“Caring for our veterans’ mental health is a critical aspect of their health care,” said Maryland Department of Health Secretary Dr. Laura Herrera Scott, who served in the U.S. Army Reserve. “These grant awards reflect our commitment to expanding behavioral health care statewide and leaving no one behind.”
