Grant Challenges Others to Support Advocacy for Health and Medical Research
WASHINGTON—March 17, 2009—Research!America has received $65,000 in funding from the United Health Foundation to support Research!America's mission to make research for health a much higher national priority and as a challenge to others to support this mission.
"United Health Foundation makes this grant to assure that research and innovation continue to drive our economy and that evidence is the basis of health care delivery, and we challenge other organizations to join us in support of advocacy for research in these difficult economic times," said Reed V. Tuckson, MD, United Health Foundation board member and United Health Group executive vice president. "For 20 years, Research!America has been at the forefront of making medical and health research a higher national priority, and we are committed to our continued partnership with them."
The grant will strengthen Research!America's work to inform policymakers, opinion leaders, news media and the public about the importance of investing in medical and health research. Research creates high-paying jobs, helps the U.S. remain competitive, and helps Americans live longer, healthier lives.
"The United Health Foundation has shown long-standing leadership in working to improve medical outcomes and the well-being of communities, and we are especially grateful for their partnership as Research!America enters its 20th year," said Mary Woolley, president and CEO, Research!America. "This grant will help us make the case for evidence-based health and health care delivery, consistent with public expectations, economists' studies and our own ongoing reviews. America needs investment in research now more than ever, to help broaden access to and drive down the cost of health care and to help re-build a sustainable economy."
The United Health Foundation was established by UnitedHealth Group (UNH) in 1999 as a not-for-profit, private foundation. Its mission is to provide helpful information to support decisions that lead to better health outcomes and healthier communities. The Foundation also supports activities that expand access to quality health care services for those in challenging circumstances and partners with others to improve the well being of communities.
Research!America is the nation's largest not-for-profit public education and advocacy alliance working to make research to improve health a higher national priority. Founded in 1989, it is supported by more than 500 member organizations, which represent more than 125 million Americans. For more information, visit www.researchamerica.org.
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