WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Congressman Ted Strickland today announced that the House of Representatives approved $500,000 for Ohio University's Appalachian Rural Health Institute and $4 million for research and development into fuel cell technology at the university.

"Health care in rural areas is a critical need," said Strickland. "Areas like ours have high mortality rates because the population suffers disproportionately from chronic and preventable diseases, such as cancer and diabetes. This federal investment in Ohio University's Rural Health Institute is important in helping bring crucial health care to southern Ohio."

The funding for both initiatives was included in the Fiscal Year 2003 spending bill which passed the House of Representatives tonight and is expected to be signed into law shortly.

Rural individuals and families are more likely to lack health insurance and to stay uninsured for longer periods of time than their urban counterparts. Also, since fewer health care providers are available in rural areas, rural populations are less likely to seek preventive health care or testing for chronic conditions, less likely to receive dental care, and more likely to need hospital services. Ohio University's Appalachian Rural Health Institute will bring research, rural health information, telehealth, and needed health care services together to meet the health care needs of the region.

"Ohio University is grateful for the leadership of Representative Strickland and Senator DeWine for carrying this initiative through the budget process," said Robert Glidden, president of Ohio University. "This is a great example for our students as well as communities throughout the region of the power of partnerships. It's encouraging to the local health providers, researchers, physicians, and, most importantly, the families in dire need of health services that they have this kind of support in Congress."

The fuel cell earmark will support a joint research project at Ohio University and Case Western Reserve University. The project is studying whether coal-derived gas can be used as a fuel source for fuel cell technology and could result in increased use of Appalachian coal reserves.

"This exciting fuel cell technology may have great potential for our region's economy," said Strickland. "The project combines the best aspects of cutting-edge energy research: clean electricity generation and future job creation."