SANDY, Utah, May 6, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Mountain America Credit Union and the Utah Jazz are pleased to announce Canines With a Cause as this season's final recipient of a $5,000 "Pass it Along" donation.

The National Center for Health Research estimates that 17% of living U.S. veterans who served in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars have Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), 10-20% have experienced a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and 35% may develop PTSD over time. 

Canines With a Cause is an animal-assisted therapy, dog training program that pairs veterans suffering from PTSD and TBI with animal companions. By providing well-trained companions, Canines With a Cause enables veterans to overcome psychological disabilities and gain independence.

"Canines With a Cause is honored to be recognized for our service to Utah Veterans and the dogs who support them," says Cathy King, executive director at Canines With a Cause. "We would like to thank Mountain America Credit Union, the Utah Jazz and all of our supporters in the community."

During the May 3 Utah Jazz vs. San Antonio Spurs game, Sterling Nielsen, president and chief executive officer at Mountain America Credit Union, presented a $5,000 check to Canines With a Cause.

"Mountain America is pleased to help veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorders and traumatic brain injuries on the path towards healing and growth," says Nielsen. "By providing well-trained service dogs, Canines With a Cause helps veterans overcome significant emotional and physical challenges, giving them the support and confidence needed to move forward."

This season, Mountain America awarded five local charitable organizations with a $5,000 donation and recognition during a Jazz television broadcast. Since its inception in 2013, the Pass it Along program has awarded more than $200,000 to over 40 deserving local charities throughout Utah. Previous recipients this season include Dyslexia Center of Utah, YWCA Utah, Wasatch Adaptive Sports and Utah Girls Love You.

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SOURCE Mountain America Credit Union