Washington, DC (November 7, 2007) – Congressman Rubén Hinojosa announced today that he has secured critical appropriations that would give South Texas an $815,000 boost in federal funding.

University of Texas-Pan American and the Vannie Cook, Jr. Cancer Pediatric Clinic are set to gain under the appropriations bill approved Tuesday night by the House of Representatives. The Valley Baptist System in Harlingen is also a recipient of federal funding for its Hispanic Stroke Center of Excellence.

 “These organizations are tackling critical health issues facing our region,” said Hinojosa. “This funding will give these institutions the resources they need to do valuable research that will better the lives of all South Texans.”

UTPA’s South Texas Border Health Disparities Center would receive $320,000 to implement an obesity prevention campaign targeting Hispanic and African American families. The Project would be conducted in South Texas and Tennessee in collaboration with Tennessee State University. A research component would also focus on addressing chronic conditions related to diabetes.
 The Hematology/Oncology Education and Research and Clinical Care project at the Vannie Cook Cancer Pediatric Clinic would also receive $320,000 in funding under the bill passed Tuesday. The money would be used to expand the pediatric center’s epidemiology research as well as staff and patient outreach programs. The Clinic is the only comprehensive pediatric cancer facility in the Rio Grande valley and serves primarily indigent Hispanic population.

The Valley Baptist Health System will receive $175,000 for its Hispanic Stroke Care Center to buy new equipment. 
 The three projects are included in a spending bill that funds myriad programs including veterans health care, education, health care, and medical research. The bill now goes to the President’s desk.