The Lincoln Memorial University-Richard A. Gillespie College of Veterinary Medicine (LMU-CVM) has established the Human Animal Research Team (HART) of Appalachia to advance understanding of the relationship between people and animals in rural communities.
Led by Dr. Avril Arendse, associate professor of veterinary medicine, HART of Appalachia aims to study how the human-animal bond affects well-being, health, and community life in Appalachia.
“The connection between humans and animals has a profound impact on both physical and mental health,” Arendse said. “By focusing on rural communities, we can better understand how animals support human well-being in underserved communities.”
Through this research, HART seeks to improve both human and animal welfare by studying the distinctive ways people and animals connect in Appalachia. Initial projects will assess awareness and attitudes about these relationships, identify barriers to nurturing them, and create educational tools to strengthen the bond.
“This initiative underscores LMU-CVM’s commitment to make a lasting difference in Appalachia through research and One Health collaboration,” said Dr. Ashutosh Verma, associate dean of basic sciences & research at LMU-CVM. “Through HART of Appalachia, we aim to deepen understanding of the vital connections between animal and human health, driving meaningful impact for communities locally and beyond.”
For more information about HART of Appalachia, visit https://www.lmunet.edu/college-of-veterinary-medicine/about-cvm/research/research-centers/hart.
Lincoln Memorial University (LMU) is a values-based learning community dedicated to providing educational experiences in liberal arts and professional studies. The LMU-Richard A. Gillespie College of Veterinary Medicine is located on LMU’s main campus in Harrogate, Tennessee, with additional academic facilities in nearby Lee County, Virginia. LMU-CVM is an integral part of the University’s medical programs and provides real-world, community-based education in a collaborative learning environment. For more information about LMU-CVM, call 1.800.325.0900, ext. 6600 or visit us online at vetmed.LMUnet.edu.
