Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senators Arlen Specter and Bob Casey today announced that the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee has approved federal funding for several Lehigh Valley health and education projects. The projects are contained in the Fiscal Year 2010 Labor, Health, Human Services, Education and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill.
“I am pleased my colleagues have approved this important funding for the Lehigh Valley,” Senator Specter said. “Health and education are our nation’s greatest capital assets, and these projects are vital to ensuring quality health care and education for Pennsylvania.”
“I am happy that funding for these vital projects has been approved by my colleagues,” Senator Casey said. “These funds will ensure that Pennsylvanians have access to quality health care, job training programs and education. This is great news for the Lehigh Valley.”
The bill must be approved by the full Senate, the House of Representatives and signed into law by the President before funding is final.
Lehigh Valley projects in the bill include:
Healthcare-related
• $100,000 for Children's Hospital of KidsPeace in Lehigh County for facilities and equipment. Funds will be used to create four therapy rooms for individual, group and family therapy to address increased utilization of mental health services.
• $100,000 for DeSales University in Lehigh County for upgrades to the medical education laboratory, including the purchase of equipment. The nursing and physicians programs will share a simulation lab where they can learn on simulation patients before working with humans.
• $100,000 for Lehigh Valley Hospital in Lehigh County for equipment. Funds will be used for automated medication dispensing machines to allow nurses to dispense medications safely and efficiently.
• $100,000 for Pocono Medical Center in Monroe County for facilities and equipment relating to cancer. Funds will be used for construction of a new cancer facility and the purchase of diagnostic and treatment equipment.
• $100,000 for Sacred Heart Hospital in Lehigh County for upgrades to operating room equipment.
• $100,000 for Saint Luke's Hospital and Health Network in Lehigh County to help purchase a CT Scanner in the Emergency Department.
Education-related
• $125,000 for Children’s Home of Easton in Northampton County for tutoring and mentoring at-risk youth during summer. The program will support community learning centers, and works to improve students’ reading, problem solving and conflict resolution skills, as well as provides character development and positive behavior training.
• $100,000 for Cedar Crest College in Lehigh County for science education programs, including the purchase of equipment. The initiative will help develop strategies that ensure the successful graduation of an increasing number of students who can fulfill position in the sciences and help the U.S. compete globally.
• $100,000 for Muhlenberg College in Lehigh County for a civic engagement and service learning program. The program will leverage college resources and partnerships to engage students in addressing health, housing, economic develop and urban education needs.
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