FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 20, 2006
Contact: Fernando R. Senra (850) 245-4111
BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH ADVISORY COUNCIL RECEIVES NEW APPOINTMENTS
TALLAHASSEE—Governor Jeb Bush recently appointed six individuals from across the state to the Biomedical Research Advisory Council. The James and Esther King Biomedical Research Program (BRP) supports biomedical research on prevention, diagnosis, treatments and cures for tobacco related diseases. The council advises the Secretary of Health on the direction and scope of the research program with the majority of the positions appointed by the governor.
“We are proud to have such advanced medical research conducted in our state,” said M. Rony François, M.D., M.S.P.H., Ph.D. “The work that this council does impacts Floridians on many levels in terms of the early identification, analysis and treatment of diseases affecting citizens statewide. Their work is very important for the health of the state and I congratulate the appointees on their new positions.”
Governor Bush recently proposed to the legislature that Biomedical Research receive an additional $9 million in funding to further their already extensive research. This funding would provide the program with the ability to fund science projects and allow scientists to bring Florida to the next level in research findings.
The goals of the BRP as set by the Florida Legislature include:
- Researching better prevention, diagnosis, treatments and cures of diseases related to tobacco use and thereby expanding the foundation of biomedical knowledge and improving the health of Floridians.
- Bringing the advances of biomedical research into the training of healthcare workers.
- Undertaking new initiatives in biomedical research that will attract additional funding and stimulate economic activity in areas related to biomedical research.
The newly appointed members of the Biomedical Research Advisory Council include:
- Dr. Nikolaus Gravenstein, of Gainesville. Seat: Biomedical Research
- Dr. Herbert Weissbach, of Boynton Beach. Seat: Biomedical Research
- Dr. Penny Ralston, of Tallahassee. Seat: Behavioral/ Social Research
- Dr. Mary Lou Sole, of Winter Park. Seat: Professional Medical Organization
- Dr. Myra Hurt, of Tallahassee. Seat: Research University
- Mr. Albert Latimer, of Altamonte Springs. Seat: General Population
DOH promotes and protects the safety of all people in Florida through a delivery of quality health care services and the promotion of health care standards. For more information about the Biomedical Research Program please visit DOH’s Web site at www.doh.state.fl.us or visit the program directly at http://www.floridabiomed.com.
