Key Points
- Jessica Foley, PhD, visited the Virginia House of Delegates to share the groundbreaking focused ultrasound research taking place in the state.
- She also advocated for continued state funding for focused ultrasound research at the University of Virginia and Virginia Tech.
On January 24, the Foundation’s Chief Scientific Officer and Head of Government Affairs and Advocacy, Jessica Foley, PhD, visited the House Appropriations Higher Education Subcommittee in Richmond, Virginia, to advocate for focused ultrasound.
Dr. Foley presented to multiple House delegates, including Delegate Betsy Carr (the subcommittee chair), Delegate David Reid, and Delegate Mark Sickles. She emphasized the global impact of focused ultrasound, with more than 500,000 patients benefiting from the innovative technology to date. She also highlighted the pioneering work at Virginia Tech and the University of Virginia (UVA), including the development of new treatment approaches for neurological disorders and cancer.
The UVA Focused Ultrasound Center, established in September of 2009 in partnership with the Foundation, has been a key player in advancing focused ultrasound. The center’s work is supported in part by funds allocated in the Virginia state budget. This sustained investment by the state has led to hundreds of patient treatments, the creation of accessible local jobs, and over $40 million in additional follow-on funding for focused ultrasound research. Similarly, the expansion of the Virginia Tech focused ultrasound research program in the previous state biennium budget has enabled program growth in research and patient care for new demographics of Virginia.
Dr. Jessica Foley reiterated the 2024–2026 Appropriations Request to the Subcommittee, seeking $4.1 million for the UVA budget and $1 million for the Virginia Tech budget each year of the biennium. This funding would support designated activities and research at these institutions, including coordinated activities between UVA and Virginia Tech. Fortunately, this request was within Governor Youngkin’s budget submitted in December.
The House Appropriations Higher Education Subcommittee members were favorable toward focused ultrasound in initial stages of the budget process – a critical step forward in advancing focused ultrasound research and innovation in Virginia. The Foundation will continue to advocate with the Senate to ensure that the full request is sustained for the 2024–2026 biennium.