The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has awarded more than $230,000 to the West Virginia University Research Corporation.

The funding, through the Preventive Medicine Residency Program, will support curriculum and programs for preventive medicine residents. Their mission is to improve access to quality preventive health care services for West Virginians.

U.S. Sens. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., and Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., members of the Senate Appropriations Committee, announced the funding Tuesday.

“Taking advantage of preventive health care is critical for maintaining healthy communities in West Virginia,” Capito said. “From obesity to substance abuse, a proactive approach to health care makes sense.”

She said in order to tackle some of the nation’s most significant public health issues, continued support of preeminent medical programs like those at West Virginia University is essential.

Manchin said, “Ensuring our medical residents have access to the best training possible raises the bar for our medical professionals across West Virginia and the nation. I am proud of the opportunities that West Virginia University provides its students to become the best in their field and our state’s citizens to have access to world-class healthcare.”