Measure HB 501, sponsored by state Rep. Mel Ponder, R-Destin, won unanimous support from the Florida House and Senate. The bill was backed by the Florida Department of Veterans Affairs (FDVA) Executive Director Danny Burgess. USF was awarded $200,000 to fund the therapies.

Under the bill, the FDVA will be able to partner with Florida universities and other state educational institutions to offer a wide variety of alternative treatments to veterans, including service animal assistance and music therapy. Learn more about the law and read David’s comments here.