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For Immediate Release Contact: Karlene Belyea Jan. 30, 2015 517-347-4710 Bridget Patrick recognized by MVMA with Public Media Award

Lansing, Mich. – Bridget Patrick was recognized for her contribution to promoting animal health with her work in media and public relations with the Michigan Veterinary Medical Association’s (MVMA) 2015 Public Media Award at the organization’s conference Friday.

“Ms. Patrick’s efforts in animal health and veterinary medicine are commendable,” said Karlene Belyea, chief executive officer of the MVMA. “Her work benefits the veterinary profession and all of those who are touched by it.”

In her professional life, Patrick has been a Risk Communications Specialist for the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD). Much of her time has been with the Animal Industry Division (AID). Her job beyond this title was promoting animal health, animal agriculture and veterinary medicine. She is highly skilled at evaluating public perception, handling all forms of media and media relations, and telling the story of animal health and veterinary medicine.

Beginning with the emergence of bovine tuberculosis in Michigan, she was the driving force behind nearly all public media animal related issues for MDARD. She has ghost written for the last four state veterinarians. Her work has been featured in the Michigan Veterinarian. She has been the lead on press releases, news articles, brochures, displays, hand-outs, newsletters, talking points, the Animal Industry Division Annual Report, research posters, Youtube videos, billboards, and any other communication materials needed by the staff of the AID. Many of the releases she writes are seasonal and generated to remind people to provide vaccinations to their horses and other pets.

In addition to her work with media and public relations, she has been involved with the economic growth of the fiber industry. She creates yarn and fiber products from the sheep and goats at her Happy Goat Lucky Ewe Fiber Farm in Mason, where she has more than 100 animals. This experience was an asset when she took on the challenge of helping a group of alpaca owners expand their business. Through helping them create collaborative projects and teaching them to market their product, she provided leadership to build partnerships leading to a much expanded animal fiber industry in Michigan.

Patrick has made a significant, long-term contribution to animal health and veterinary medicine in Michigan. Through her work at MDARD, AID, she has generated countless numbers of written and visual communication pieces aimed at animal owners and the public. The message always related to the betterment of animal health and the value of veterinarians.

The MVMA Public Media Award recognizes people or organizations within the broadcasting or publishing professions for activities that benefit the veterinary profession or the ideals associated with it. ###

The Michigan Veterinary Medical Association, founded in 1883, is comprised of more than 2,200 veterinarians. It provides continuing education for veterinarians and related professionals, monitors state legislation and regulations, and promotes veterinary medicine through a multifaceted public education program. Each year the association provides more than 200 hours of educational programs for veterinarians, veterinary technicians and support staff.