The concept of community readiness centers on the idea that many rural communities across the country need the services of a veterinarian, but these communities do not offer an environment that can holistically support veterinary professionals and enable them to build sustainable livelihoods.

 

To address these issues, Farm Journal Foundation proposes building a State and Community Readiness Infrastructure, working with stakeholders at state and local levels to develop solutions to better identify shortage areas and build support for veterinary livelihoods in local communities. This collaborative approach would provide the framework for self-help readiness models that will ultimately support the financial sustainability of veterinary practices and the personal well-being goals of veterinarians in concert with the needs of the community.