Elmhurst University gets federal funding for health sciences studies

Elmhurst University has received $950,000 from the federal government to help pay for instructional, simulation and research equipment in its Health Sciences Building.

The money comes from Community Project Funding and was presented Thursday by U.S. Rep. Sean Casten, whose 6th Congressional District includes the university.

Opened last year, the building is a hub for the school’s nursing, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, and public health programs.

The university plans to install a 3-D Anatomage Table anatomy system and other instructional and research equipment with the funding.

The building has a 360-degree virtual-reality laboratory for practicing procedures in settings such as an operating room or ambulance. It also has simulation laboratories with patient simulators that can breathe, sweat, have seizures and respond to medical interventions, according to the university.

The facility hosts an occupational therapy apartment where students practice helping people with mobility issues and the Jans Family Military and Veterans Center, a resource center and gathering space for student veterans and active-duty military students.

ssarkauskas@dailyherald.com