U.S. Rep. Brian Higgins secured nearly $1 million in federal funds for the University at Buffalo School of Public Health and Health Professions.

The more than $933,000 will pay for a new mobile health clinic to operate in medically underserved communities throughout Western New York.

“As a public research university, UB is driven by our mission to partner with the members of our community so we can better understand—and best address—the health needs of our region,” said UB President Satish K. Tripathi. “By focusing on the needs of our neighbors who are medically underserved, we will work in concert with our community to achieve health equity—a goal that we have long shared with Congressman Higgins.”

UB's mobile health clinic will conduct screening and prevention services, provide physicals, blood pressure checks, vaccines, diabetes assessments and mental health evaluations.

"Today we are not just investing in health care...we are reducing barriers that will improve overall community wellness and economic security,” Rep. Higgins said. “Beyond this, the new mobile clinic will play an important role in training the next generation of medical, pharmaceutical, nursing, social work, nutrition, athletic training, physical therapy, occupational therapy, exercise science and public health professionals."

The mobile health clinic will be stationed at the Seneca-Babcock Community Association and will serve an estimated 30,000 people annually, just in the city of Buffalo alone.