Congress Approves Funding for DREAMS and BESCT

On May 12, Congress approved $10 million in federal funding for the Disaster Relief and Emergency Medical Services (DREAMS) project and $6 million for the Biology, Education, Screening, Chemoprevention and Treatment (BESCT) lung cancer proposal at The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center. The funding is part of the Fiscal Year 2001 Defense Appropriations Bill.

DREAMS is a U.S. Army-sponsored program at The University of Texas-Houston Health Science Center, Texas A&M University, Texas Heart Institute and Memorial Hermann Hospital that focuses on improving emergency care. The advanced telemedicine project is designed to improve and speed emergency diagnosis and treatment for injured patients, especially in military battlefield and civilian disaster settings. The goal of the project is to improve detection, diagnosis, decontamination and treatment for chemical and biological warfare agents, and to develop new diagnostic methods and therapies for shock and injuries.

The approved $10 million represents the fourth installment in federal support for the project, which received the first support in FY 1997.

"The DREAMS project will help us save lives and reduce costs," says Rep. Ken Bentsen (D-TX), sponsor of the legislation, and whose 25th district includes the Texas Medical Center. It will increase the survivability of America's soldiers wounded on the battlefield, as well as civilians injured in industrial and natural disasters. UT-Houston and Texas A&M are to be commended for their leadership in developing the medical technologies and treatments of the 21st century."

The BESCT lung cancer proposal at M. D. Anderson Cancer Center will receive $6 million to provide comprehensive services for lung cancer patients including smoking cessation, early diagnosis, inhibition of cancer development in active and former smokers, and improved treatment and survival for patients with active lung cancer. This funding is the second installment in federal support for the project.

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©2006 Texas Medical Center

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