A new survey suggests Virginians care deeply about medical research.
The findings – conducted in part by Virginia Tech – show Virginians believe the state is a leader in the defense and agricultural sectors. Those are big components of the state’s economy. But medical and health research was right behind.
60% of respondents said the cost of health care was the most important health issue facing Virginians besides COVID-19. That was followed by mental health and substance abuse issues.
Michael Friedlander is executive director of Tech’s Fralin Biomedical Research Institute. He says the survey affirms the work already being done there – including research related to substance abuse.
“We’ll continue to study specific areas – like opioid – but also focusing on the fundamental underlying principles of how addiction, how substance abuse comes into play and how addiction forms in general,” Friedlander explains.
Half of those polled said they believe medical research can be part of the solution to bring down the costs of healthcare. And six out of 10 said federal investment in mental health research hasn't been adequate.
You find the entire report here.