Congresswoman Scholten Announces $11.6 Million for Health Care Research and Supportive Services in West Michigan

September 16, 2026 Press Release WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Congresswoman Hillary Scholten (D-MI-03) announced $11,656,359 for a variety of medical research projects and investments in community health and well-being services across West Michigan. The funding is through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). “West Michigan continues to lead the way in medical research and community care, and these investments reflect the strength and diversity of the work happening right here in our district,” said Congresswoman Scholten . “From advancing research on diabetes, cancer, and autoimmune diseases to supporting youth in need of housing, these grants will make a real difference in people’s lives. Federal investments like these are exactly how the government should be showing up for our communities, and I’ll keep fighting to secure them.” Individual awards listed below: $1,351,292 — Van Andel Research Institute This funding will support research on diabetes, digestive conditions, and kidney diseases. $1,318,850 — Akna Health LLC This funding will support assay development to assess risks in early pregnancy. $1,140,000 — Van Andel Research Institute This funding will support research on diabetes, digestive conditions, and kidney diseases. $790,222 — Allergy and Infectious Diseases Research This funding will support research into autoimmune diseases affecting the brain and nervous system. $730,294 — Catholic Charities West Michigan This funding will support residential shelter and transitional foster care services for unaccompanied immigrant children. $730,293 — Catholic Charities West Michigan This funding will support essential services for unaccompanied immigrant children. $650,000 — Cherry Street Services This funding will support the organization's health center program. $543,144 — Arbor Circle Corporation This funding will support substance abuse treatment and mental health services projects. $540,764 — Calvin University This funding will support allergy and infectious diseases research. $528,000 — Van Andel Research Institute This funding will support research into developmental reprogramming through gene-environment interactions. $512,218 — Van Andel Research Institute This funding will support the Cancer Epigenetics Training (CET) Program. $475,000 — Van Andel Research Institute This funding will support biomedical research and training. $475,000 — Van Andel Research Institute This funding will support research into how cells control certain elements of their genetic material. $350,000 — AYA (As You Are) Youth Collective This funding will support the organization's transitional living program for youth housing. $259,000 — The Children's Advocacy Centers of Michigan This funding will support child abuse prevention through community support and evidence-based interventions. $249,729 — Arbor Circle Corporation This funding will support the organization's transitional living program. $248,600 — Arbor Circle Corporation This funding will support the maternity group home program. $240,000 — Van Andel Research Institute This funding will support research into child health and human development. $125,000 — City of Norton Shores This funding will support "Ride With Pride," a positive behavior program to reduce substance abuse and promote safe choices among youth. $119,105 — Van Andel Research Institute This funding will support research into the genetic factors involved in colon cancer. $112,234 — Van Andel Research Institute This funding will support research into strengthening the immune system's ability to fight tumors. $100,000 — Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi This funding will support development grants for Indian Health Services or tribal health facilities. $52,114 — Van Andel Research Institute This funding will support research into improving treatments for solid tumors. $15,500 — Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi This funding will support community-directed diabetes programming. This funding reflects Rep. Scholten's ongoing commitment to bringing federal investment back to Michigan's Third Congressional District. These investments will keep West Michigan at the forefront of medical research and accessible community health care. ###