Washington, DC - U.S. Senators Blanche Lincoln and Mark Pryor, and Representative Vic Snyder announced today that the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) in Little Rock has been awarded two grants totaling $502,385 from the Department of Health and Human Services.

A grant in the amount of $289,385 was awarded to UAMS by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases through the Allergy, Immunology, and Transplantation Research program. The grant will go toward detection, diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal infection.

Additionally, a grant for $213,000 was awarded by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases through the Kidney Diseases, Urology and Hematology Research program. The grant will be used for the study of protection against diabetic complications.

"UAMS is an international leader in medical research and innovation and a source of pride for the state of Arkansas," said Lincoln. "These federal funds will enable UAMS to continue its critical work to improve the lives of their patients."

"UAMS has given so much throughout the years to strengthen communities throughout Central Arkansas," Pryor said. "These grants for musculoskeletal infections and diabetic complications are well-deserved and will go a long way in improving the quality of life of all Arkansas.”

“Arkansans can be proud to have an outstanding research facility like UAMS in our state,” said Congressman Vic Snyder. “UAMS is doing important work, and I am pleased that it continues to receive federal support for its research.”