Health Wagon to Add Veterinary Clinic/Outreach Center in Wise County with Support from AMLER Grant 

“We are in desperate need of this,” – Beverly Grigsby, Director of Animal Control, Wise County Animal Shelter 

(Wise, Va.) — The Health Wagon is delighted to announce the first phase in the creation of the Veterinary Clinic and Outreach Center, a new 4,200-square-foot nonprofit facility that will provide affordable animal care for families across Southwest Virginia and beyond. 

Governor Glenn Youngkin recently announced the latest Abandoned Mine Land Economic Revitalization (AMLER) awards, with the Veterinary Clinic among the five transformative initiatives selected to revitalize former coal mining sites across the region. 

Located on land donated by the Wise County Industrial Development Authority on the Health Wagon’s medical campus, the facility will transform a former mine-impacted site into a community hub of healing for both people and animals. 

Phase I: From Vision to Groundbreaking 

AMLER funds will support Phase I of the project, which includes: 

• Environmental assessments and compliance (NEPA) 
• Site preparation and utility infrastructure 
• Construction of the 4,200 sq. ft. facility 
• Acquisition of veterinary equipment 

“A heartfelt Thank you to the Virginia Energy AMLER Committee and to our state and local partners for making this possible,” said Dr. Teresa Tyson, DNP, CEO of The Health Wagon. “For decades, we’ve cared for the health of people in our community—and we’ve seen how much their pets mean to them. Too often, families put their own health aside in order to care for their animals and the cost of veterinary treatment remains out of reach for many. During our home visits, we see firsthand how pets are just as much in need of care as their owners. This new clinic embodies the One Health approach—recognizing that the wellbeing of people, animals, and the environment are deeply interconnected. We are proud to be the first free clinic in the nation to fully integrate One Health into our model of care.” 

“This project is transformational—not just for pets, but for families and for public health,” added Dr. Paula Hill Collins, DNP, Vice President & Clinical Director of The Health Wagon. “By applying a One Health lens, we are reducing animal overpopulation, preventing zoonotic disease, and supporting healthier homes across Appalachia.” 

Building Workforce & Partnerships 

The new veterinary clinic will: 

• Provide low-cost spay/neuter, vaccinations, urgent surgeries, dental care, diagnostics, and preventive services for underserved families’ pets. 

• Create jobs and training opportunities for veterinary students through partnerships with Virginia Tech’s Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine and other universities. 
• Strengthen community health by reducing animal overpopulation, preventing zoonotic disease, and alleviating financial strain for families. 

“This is exactly the kind of innovative, community-based partnership that rural health and families need,” said Dr. Laura Hungerford, DVM, MPH, PhD, Department Head of Population Health Sciences at the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine at Virginia Tech. “Most people in the U.S. live in multi-species families. If you want to serve families in public health and serve your communities and you exclude the needs of those with furry or feathered family members, you’re missing a lot. My students have gained hands-on training working with the Health Wagon that addresses the rural veterinary workforce shortage while also advancing One Health solutions that improve the wellbeing of both people and animals in Appalachia.” 

A Community Calling 

“We are in desperate need of this,” said Beverly Grigsby, Director of Animal Control for Wise County Animal Shelter. “We are so overwhelmed, and all our counties are struggling so bad. With this clinic it will be easier to get dogs and cats fixed locally.” 

The Health Wagon has a long history of organizing large-scale veterinary missions in partnership with the U.S. Department of Defense’s Innovative Readiness Training (IRT) program and volunteer veterinarians. Since 2017, these events have provided more than 6,400 no-cost procedures to animals across Wise, Dickenson, and Russell counties. 

The project was made possible thanks to the vision of PAWS of Southwest Virginia and their dedicated volunteer Joann Harding, which identified the urgent need and invited The Health Wagon to lead the initiative. Additional thanks go to the Wise County Industrial Development Authority for donating the land, Patterson Veterinary for equipment and design guidance, and numerous veterinary and community partners who have supported mission clinics over the years. 

“This is more than a building—it’s an investment in our future,” said Tyson. “Together, we’re transforming reclaimed mine land into a place of hope, healing, and opportunity—for families and four-legged friends alike. This clinic proves that One Health isn’t just a concept—it’s the way forward for Appalachia.” 

Community Partners 

Special thanks to all our veterinary and animal welfare partners: PAWS of SWVA, Wise County Humane Society, Dr. John Roberts, DVM, Dr. Anna Johnston, DVM, Dr. Laura Hungerford, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Delilah Long (Virginia Department of Health), Joella Dales (Animal Defense League), Wise County Animal Rescue Coalition, BROOD Basset Rescue of Old Dominion, Dickenson County, Coeburn Economic Development Authority, Angels of Assisi, Bristol Humane Society (formerly Margaret B. Mitchell Clinic), as well as many other organizations, businesses, and individuals for their dedication to animal health across our region. 

Project Timeline 

Construction will begin once bidding is complete and will follow a 12-month build schedule: 

• Months 0–3: Engineering design, environmental assessments, permitting 
• Months 4–5: Final plan approval, site work, foundation installation 
• Months 6–12: Building construction, parking lot, utility installation, equipment procurement, compliance monitoring, and final completion 

“While the AMLER grant is a fantastic start, a fully operating veterinary clinic will require additional funding to secure a vet, vet assistants, ancillary staff and operational support,” Tyson noted. “Anyone interested in contributing to the veterinary clinic or desire to volunteer is invited to contact the Health Wagon or visit www.thehealthwagon.org/furry-friends to support this effort.” 

About the Health Wagon The Health Wagon is a nonprofit organization providing comprehensive, compassionate healthcare to the medically underserved in the mountains of Appalachia since 1980. From mobile medical units to stationary clinics, dental, pharmacy, and veterinary services, the Health Wagon is committed to breaking barriers and building healthier futures across Appalachia. Guided by a One Health approach and our proprietary Integrated Comprehensive Care Collective (ICCC) model, we deliver care that recognizes the interconnected health of people, animals, and the environment while transforming access for underserved communities. Together with our wonderful partners, we move mountains. 

Photo Caption: 

Move Mountains Medical Mission event 7/29/2023. Saginaw Valley State University pre-med students Maddie Vernon and Cassidy Bachman with puppies. Photo Credit: Richard Kidd 

Media Coverage: 

Virginia Tech News: Veterinary students extend Health Wagon benefits to Southwest Virginia pets

Bristol Herald Courier: Grant to fund creation of new vet clinic

WCYB: Health Wagon opening Veterinary Clinic in Wise County 

WJHL: Southwest Virginia projects at former mines get millions in funding ; WJHL Interview ; Health Wagon to build veterinary clinic in Wise Co.