Today, Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-15) announced a combined amount of $770,428 for the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. This funding will support the Head Start Program, Physician Assistant Training in Primary Care, and Pharmacology, Physiology, and Biological Chemistry Research.
The Head Start Emergency Supplemental Grant provides $111,961 through the American Rescue Plan to prepare our youngest students to succeed in the classroom, and allow children to receive health screenings and access to nutritious meals.
The Physician Assistant Training in Primary Care grant provides $295,217 to support the training of future Physician Assistants. The University will also receive $363,250 for Pharmacology, Physiology, and Biological Chemistry Research to enhance research that targets advanced pancreatic cancer. This funding will help the region's healthcare professionals learn more about this deadly disease and educate the next generation as they continue searching for a cure.
"This funding represents a critical investment in the next generation," said Congressman Gonzalez. "As we navigate the challenges of school in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic and work to ensure top-rated medical training is available here in the Rio Grande Valley, I will continue working to secure resources for our students, teachers, and families."
"These grants are critical to the quality of healthcare and education provided to the Rio Grande Valley community. UTRGV is proud to play a major role in the strengthening of our education and healthcare systems," said UTRGV President Guy Bailey. "I would like to thank Congressman Gonzalez and everyone at UTRGV who assisted in obtaining these grants, and for ensuring a bright future for our university and the Rio Grande Valley."