Congressman Michael Michaud (D-Maine) has announced a $1.8 million appropriation to support the continuing development of the Maine Institute for Human Genetics and Health. “You can have all the talent in the world, but without the proper funding, it is difficult to fully develop the collaborative research program that is needed to move forward. The Congressman’s efforts and contributions will help us further our ten-year mission,” says Janet Hock, BDS, PhD, institute director.  During a news conference on January 8, 2007, Michaud stated, “I feel strongly about what the Maine Institute for Human Genetics and Health provides our region. As a premiere research institute, it helps to provide economic growth, as well as a powerful collaboration opportunity for the academic and bio-tech research center of Maine.”

This is the second appropriation the institute has received. In December of 2005, the institute announced the award of two-million dollar, also made possible through the hard work of Congressman Michaud. Currently, the Maine Institute for Human Genetics and Health is negotiating with the United States Army Medical Research and Materiel Command at Fort Detrick, Maryland, and they expect to use both the initial and the new funds to start a comprehensive cancer research program, a ten-year mission of the institute. The new cancer program in Maine will have a clinical focus on delivering the latest developments in clinical care to cancer patients in rural communities, and a research focus on gene-environment interactions that change the risk of cancer, which will involve Maine's unique marine environment.

Larry Beauregard, PhD, associate director of the institute, commented after receiving the news, “We are very grateful. The appropriation reflects the Congressman’s continuing commitment to the institute’s endeavor to improve the well-being of our fellow Maine citizens and bring forth continued economic development to our region of Maine.” The Maine Institute for Human Genetics and Health was founded in 2005 and has worked in close collaboration with The Jackson Laboratory, the University of Maine, and Eastern Maine Medical Center with its development. As a subsidiary of EMHS, the institute, through innovative cancer research, is working to ensure the highest quality care is available to all who need it. All members of EMHS bring unique qualities, skills, and resources to other EMHS members, helping the whole become stronger.

Together We’re Stronger.

Photo: Congressman Mike Michaud (D-Maine) speaks to members of the media and the community during a news conference at the Cianchette Building in Brewer. Michaud announced a $1.8 appropriation for the Maine Institute for Human Genetics and Health, a collaboration between EMHS, The Jackson Laboratory, and The University of Maine.