Penn State has received its annual infusion of tobacco settlement funding, which will help support Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center’s research mission. This year, Penn State received nearly $6.6 million. Over the past 12 years, Penn State has received more than $104 million in formula funds – helping to not only explore possible treatments for diseases but also to fuel Pennsylvania's economy.
At the July meeting of the Medical Center’s Board of Directors, Pennsylvania Department of Health Secretary Michael Wolf delivered a check for the Commonwealth Universal Research Enhancement (CURE) Program’s formula funds.
“Since 2001, tobacco funds have provided seed funding that has helped faculty members at Pennsylvania’s research institutions, including Penn State, win an estimated $2.4 billion in additional funding from the National Institutes of Health, the National Science Foundation and other federal agencies,” said Penn State President Rodney Erickson. “We’re proud to partner with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania on this initiative to advance science, knowledge and the quality of life of Pennsylvania citizens.”
Established in 2001 as a result of the Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement, Pennsylvania’s CURE Program distributes settlement funds annually to the state’s medical research institutions. Through its distribution of funds, the CURE Program has stimulated economic growth through expansion of the state economy, creation of jobs and more.