February 28, 2019

Torres Announces Nearly $387,000 HHS Grant Awarded to Western University for Lung Diseases Research

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Representative Norma J. Torres (D-Pomona) announced that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has awarded a $386,934 Academic Research Enhancement Awards (AREA) grant to Western University of Health Sciences in Pomona. The funding will allow WesternU to further its lung disease research.

"For more than four decades, WesternU has trained physicians to provide families throughout Southern California with the expert health care and attention they need," said Torres. "In the Inland Empire, that focus is often on treating lung and respiratory diseases caused by the region's poor air quality. Under Dr. Vishwanath Venketaraman's leadership of the College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific, this investment will advance efforts to beat lung disease and give residents of the 35th district a fighting chance at leading healthy lives."

"This significant grant award by the Department of Health and Human Services for lung disease research at WesternU is a tremendous compliment to the University and to Dr. Vishwanath Venketaraman of the College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific, who is leading this effort," said Daniel R. Wilson, MD, PhD, President of Western University of Health Sciences. "WesternU is deeply committed to biomedical research to enhance human health, and this grant award is recognition and appreciation of that commitment."

Torres is a member of the House Appropriations Committee, which is responsible for appropriating federal spending.

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