September 24, 2013

Manchin, Rockefeller, Rahall Announce Funding for Marshall University Diabetes Research Program

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Joe Manchin, along with Senator Jay Rockefeller and Rep. Nick Rahall (all D-W.Va.), Tuesday announced Marshall University has been awarded federal funding for the continuation of its Appalachian Diabetes Control and Translation Project (ADCTP), which provides diabetes education, prevention, and monitoring.

“I commend Marshall University for their continued leadership in diabetes research, treatment and prevention on a disease that far too many West Virginians tackle with each day,” Manchin said. “By investing in high-quality health education and research opportunities, we are providing West Virginians with the information and tools to overcome such illnesses and diseases while also attracting the brightest and best to our colleges and universities.” 

“Because our state has one of the highest rates of diabetes in the nation, we have to invest in community-based initiatives that are on the ground and can directly assist those who are living with this disease and promote the benefits of living a healthy lifestyle,” said Rockefeller, who this year reintroduced legislation to help combat diabetes by increasing access to preventive care. “This investment in Marshall’s Center for Rural Health will lead to stronger local health education programs that are so important to help reverse the tide and make our communities healthier."

“Marshall continues to be a leader in helping our communities with diabetes prevention and healthier living,” said Rahall. “Good nutrition and exercise points to a brighter future with more healthy families and a stronger workforce.  All of us have a responsibility to strive toward a healthier West Virginia for the sake of our children and grandchildren.”

The Center for Rural Health at Marshall University will receive a $150,000 grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) and $113,177 from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to continue to assist community groups in their efforts to improve local health conditions through training and technical assistance for a network of 75 local diabetes coalitions that are focused on diabetes education and prevention for thousands of West Virginians each year. The program is increasingly focused on health education programs that have been proven to reduce the risks and severity of diabetes. Total ARC and CDC funds committed to the ADCTP since 2002 stands at $2,825,297.

 

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