Press Release

Schumer, Gillibrand Announce More Than $5 Million for Medical Research, Services in New York City

May 28, 2009

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $5,437,612 in federal dollars to support medical research and training programs at hospitals, universities, laboratories and research facilities in New York City.   These funds from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) will help move forward on critical research and treatment to help improve the lives of all New Yorkers, and are part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which Senators Schumer and Gillibrand helped pass earlier this year.

“New York City is growing and its medical research needs to grow with it. These funds will enable the world class facilities in New York City to provide the best possible treatment to those in need of medical attention,” Schumer said.  “This federal funding will go a long way in enhancing medical research in New York City and across the country and ensure that New Yorkers continue to receive the best medical care available.”

“It is critical that we invest in the life-saving research and personnel training at our world class medical facilities in New York City,” said Senator Gillibrand. “Federal funding for these cutting edge research and training programs will help with medical diagnosis and treatment while promoting economic growth in New York City. During these tough economic times, I will continue to work with Senator Schumer to ensure that New York receives its fair share of federal dollars and improved health care initiatives.”

A wide range of leading medical organizations will receive funding.  Highlights of this group of recipients include following:
 
·         $1,269,171 for Sloan Kettering Institute for Cancer Research for research on diagnoses of malignant gliomas, as well as research on graft-versus-host issues with respect to bone marrow transplants
 
·         $1,054,032 for Yeshiva University for research into genetic factors impacting pharyngeal apparatus and cardiac research; additionally, funds are allocated for student and / or teacher training opportunities
 
·         $934,764 for the New York University School of Medicine to research how t-lymphocytes are used to eliminate malaria-causing bacteria from the liver.
 
·         $641,813 for New York State Psychiatric Institute will receive to support student and teacher training opportunities
 
·         $494,149  for Columbia University Health Sciences to support vascular biology and angiogenesis research;

Additionally, the following New York City institutions will receive HHS grants:
 
·         $393,913  for SUNY Downstate
 
·         $272,556 for Mt. Sinai School of Medicine
 
·         $ 242,335 for St. Luke’s Roosevelt Institute for Health

·         $29,286 for Clinical Network Directors of New York
 
·         $27,294 for York College will receive
 
·         $22,835  for Weill Medical College of Cornell University
 
·         $21,735  for Rockefeller University

·         $20,937 for  Queens College

·         $12,792 for  Barnard College

Senators Schumer and Gillibrand are strong supporters of President Obama’s economic plan. The investment will help create or save more than 200,000 jobs in New York, while laying the foundation of future economic growth with critical investments in health care technology and research, education, infrastructure and renewable energy.