Arizona Senators Kelly, Sinema introduce legislation regarding Valley fever

FORWARD Act to help combat desert fungus

PHOENIX, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - Recently, Arizona Senators Mark Kelly and Kyrsten Sinema (Both D-AZ) announced the Finding Orphan-disease Remedies with Antifungal Research and Development (FORWARD) Act.

“Valley fever continues to pose a health risk to Arizonans and many across the southwest. Our legislation ensures we support and invest in the tools needed to tackle Valley fever head-on,” stated Sen. Kelly. 

This bill, also introduced by Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), was made to support research on fighting against Valley fever which comes from a desert fungus.

“Boosting research and finding treatments and vaccines to effectively combat Valley Fever in Arizona will protect families – particularly those most vulnerable – from getting sick and strengthen our public health response against future infectious diseases,” expressed Sen. Sinema.

The FORWARD Act will offer $500,000,000 for research, processing new vaccines and create a group at the Department of Health and Human Services for Valley fever.