Cleaver Delivers Funds for UMKC's Orthopedic Trauma Research Center

Washington, DC—Today, Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, II announced that he has secured $1 million in federal funding for University of Missouri-Kansas City to start an Orthopedic Trauma Research Center. The funds were included in the Department of Defense Appropriations Bill, passed by both chambers early this morning. The measure now awaits the President’s signature. 

“The University of Missouri is grateful to Congressman Cleaver for securing funds to establish a new Orthopedic Trauma Research Center at UMKC. The center will help UMKC enhance its reputation as a leader in the life sciences and as a vital partner with Kansas City,” said Elson Floyd, President of the University of Missouri system. “We look forward to the innovative research and discoveries that have great potential to improve the health, security and survival of U.S. military personnel.”

The UMKC Orthopedic Trauma Research Center will work along side the U.S. Army’s Institute of Surgical Research’s Combat Casualty Care Research Program to develop new technologies for the treatment of severe bone fractures. These new methods will improve the healing and recovery rates of soldiers suffering from severe fractures and other bone injuries incurred on the battlefield. Bone trauma represents 60-70 percent of combat injuries.

“We are proud to have UMKC play such a vital role in rehabilitating our brave men and women in uniform,” said Congressman Cleaver. “Members of the armed services sacrifice every day; we owe them the very best medical care both in the field and at home. These funds will help UMKC find new ways to speed the recovery and improve the health of injured soldiers. I am excited that this important work will be done here in Kansas City.”

This award also furthers community-wide efforts to position the area as the nation’s leader in life science research and development.

 “This award helps further the cause of economic development in Kansas City.” Bob Marcusse President and CEO of the Kansas City Area Development Council, “Building on strengths is a great strategy and Congressman Cleaver and UMKC are to be congratulated for together they will have an impact that goes far beyond the dollars themselves.”

The funds will be used for needed research and surgical equipment, additional research staff, the development of new bone fixator technologies, and clinical trials. 

“As one of the nation’s leading research institutions in bone biology, UMKC greatly appreciates Congressman Cleaver’s advocacy for our proposed Orthopedic Trauma Research Center,” said UMKC Interim Chancellor Steve Lehmkuhle. “Government funding is critical for the Center to achieve its most urgent purpose of treating U.S. soldiers who  sustain life-threatening bone injuries on the battlefield.”