Veterans Administration Earmarks $1 Million For Equine-Assisted Mental Health

SANTAQUIN, Utah, Oct. 24, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Eagala (Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association) is one of two national organizations, along with additional regional partners, to share $1 million in funding from the 2018-19 Veterans Administration Adaptive Sports Grant (ASG) for equine-assisted psychotherapy services. Thanks to a growing body of evidence showing promising results, this is the first year the ASG has earmarked funds specifically for equine-assisted psychotherapy ? where horses are involved in focused, professional interventions to address trauma and other mental health needs, including substance abuse, depression and improving family relationships.

Eagala will receive more than $225,000 to fund services provided by certified professionals who have received the Eagala Military Services program designation, which was created as a way of setting and maintaining the standard of clinical training and cultural competence required to effectively work with military populations in a mental health setting. There are currently 25 programs in the United States that have earned the Eagala military designation, and CEO Lynn Thomas expects that number to grow rapidly.

"Eagala is proud to be the only equine-assisted mental health organization in the industry to put forth and maintain these critically important clinical and cultural competence standards," Thomas said. "This grant will enable us to grow our programs providing this effective approach serving veterans."

Halina Kowalski, who led the grant effort in her newly appointed role as Eagala's Military Services Director, will oversee its management and coordinate collective outcome-based projects in collaboration with Eagala Military Services programs. This grant represents a shift for the organization from providing training, education and certification to generating funding that supports Eagala's vast global membership and facilitates outcomes of service.

Veterans looking to receive services under this grant or who want to find out about participating in Eagala military designated programs can contact Kowalski directly at [email protected].

ABOUT EAGALA

Since 1999, Eagala has set the global standard for equine-assisted psychotherapy and personal development. With over 640 regional programs, and more than 2,500 certified members in over 40 countries, it is the leading international nonprofit association for professionals incorporating horses to address mental health and personal development needs. For more information, visit eagala.org.

Media Contact:
Halina Kowalski
801-754-0400
[email protected]

SOURCE Eagala