Thompson, Garamendi present $1M check to Touro University for campus improvements
U.S. Reps. Mike Thompson (CA-05) and John Garamendi (CA-03) presented a $1 million check to Touro University for campus improvements and boosting access to health care education.
“Strengthening our health care system by educating the next generation of medical professionals is essential to the future of medicine and health,” said Thompson. “I’m proud to work with Rep. Garamendi to ensure that Touro University has the resources it needs to teach a diverse group of students in Vallejo. This funding will improve Touro’s campus, support health care throughout the region, and ensure that our medical professionals reflect the diversity of our community. I look forward to seeing this funding in action at Touro.”
“It is an honor to join my friend and colleague, Congressman Mike Thompson, to announce these muchneeded investments in our communities. Congressman Thompson and I fought hard in Washington for these Community Funded Projects—which will bolster local infrastructure, healthcare, and more. This was all made possible through the advocacy, information, and passion dozens of local leaders provided throughout this process. We are grateful to see these much-needed investments being made in our community today, and Congressman Thompson and I will always forge partnerships throughout the community to deliver the progress and support our region deserves,” said Congressman Garamendi.
“We are humbled and grateful to have been selected as a recipient of this grant by Congressman Mike Thompson,” Dr. Sarah Sweitzer, Provost and CAO of Touro University California, said. “As we help to eliminate health and education inequity while increasing diversity in education, health and public health, the funding of this grant, together with the support of our partners, furthers the impact we have in our community.
“Locally, in Solano County and especially in Vallejo, this project will generate over $12 million annually in direct economic impact through health and education partnerships and outreach, in addition to University jobs and jobs generated within the surrounding communities,” she added.
This funding will allow Touro University to make crucial investments in campus improvement that will grow the reach of their programs, increase the number of health providers on campus, and boost health care across the region.
The funding comes from H.R. 2471, the government funding appropriations law, which was signed into law on March 15.
Reps. Thompson and Garamendi were joined by Touro University Provost Dr. Sarah Sweitzer and Touro University students and faculty.
Thompson, Garamendi Present $900K check for Vallejo mental health services
U.S. Reps. Mike Thompson (CA-05) and Rep. John Garamendi (CA-03) presented a $900,000 check to the Vallejo Police Department for the development of their Mobile Community Mental Health Response Unit.
“Investing in the proper
response to mental health crises will save lives and keep our communities safe,” said Thompson. “Rep. Garamendi and I presented a $900,000 check for the Community Mobile Mental Health Response Unit because we know that programs like this reduce the risk to our communities and officers. This program will help us better serve the most vulnerable among us and work to destigmatize mental health.”
“It is an honor to join my friend and colleague, Congressman Mike Thompson, to announce these muchneeded investments in our communities. Congressman Thompson and I fought hard
in Washington for these Community Funded Projects — which will bolster local infrastructure, healthcare, and more. This was all made possible through the advocacy, information, and passion dozens of local leaders provided throughout this process. We are grateful to see these much-needed investments being made in our community today, and Congressman Thompson and I will always forge partnerships throughout the community to deliver the progress and support our region deserves,” said Congressman Garamendi.
“Our police department is taking a trauma-informed care approach to protecting
and serving those suffering from a mental health crisis and other emergencies,” Vallejo Chief of Police Shawny K. Williams stated. “Congressman Thompson is a true leader who recognized our new direction and has given us the necessary funding and resources to begin this unprecedented journey of providing Mobile Mental Health Services to Vallejo residents for years to come. This is a completely new direction for our department and represents a systemic change in VPD that will save lives and give those suffering a mental health crisis hope for a better future.”
The Vallejo Police Department Community Mobile Mental Health Response Unit will provide traumainformed
mental health response and social services to reduce arrests in Vallejo and better respond to individuals experiencing crises and those with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This project was requested by the Vallejo Police Department.
The funding comes from H.R. 2471, the government funding appropriations law, which was signed into law on March 15, 2022.
Reps. Thompson and Garamendi were joined by Supervisor Erin Hannigan, Supervisor Monica Brown, Vallejo Mayor Robert McConnell, Vallejo Police Chief Shawny Williams, and Solano County Behavioral Health Administrator Kate Grammy, Psy. D.