Scottsdale, Ariz., March 24, 2014– Rep. David Schweikert (R-AZ), Co-founder of the Congressional Valley Fever Task Force, is hosting a Valley Fever Open House this April. 

Local health organizations have been invited to talk about their work in Valley Fever research alongside speakers from local healthcare providers to share their experiences and updates on advancements in Valley Fever research and advocacy. 

Where: District Office; 10603 N. Hayden Rd., Suite H-108, Scottsdale, AZ 85260

When: Saturday, April 12, 2014 from 9:00 am- 10:30 am

Cost: Free 

Coffee and Donuts will be served

Keynote speakers include:

Valley Fever in Arizona: Now and in the future
Dr. John N Galgiani, Director of the Valley Fever Center in Phoenix
The Valley Fever Center in Phoenix is a partnership between the University of Arizona College of Medicine and St. Joseph’s Hospital.

Technology and Diagnostics
Mr. Todd Snowden, Business Development Director of DxNA LLC 
Flagstaff-based DxNA is developing a diagnostic test that is performed on an extracted respiratory specimen and analyzed for Cocci Fungus DNA. They are currently in the final stages of FDA clearance preparation.

The Treatment of Valley Fever
Dr. Janis E. Blair, Division of Infectious Diseases at Mayo Clinic. 
The Mayo Clinic’s Division of Infectious Disease conducts clinical studies to characterize and optimize diagnosis and treatment of coccidioidomycosis in healthy and immunocompromised persons. 

Other guests include: 

Dr. Peter Kelly, Infectious Disease Specialist, Bureau of Public Health Emergency Preparedness at the Arizona Department of Health Services
The Bureau of Public Health Emergency Preparedness provides a backdrop for the Department’s response efforts for various infectious diseases affecting Arizonans.  

Mr. Stephen Albert Johnston, Co-Director of the Biodesign Institute Innovations in Medicine
The Center for Innovations in Medicine have developed a blood test for early detection of Valley Fever Infection.

Dr. Bruce H. Shelton M.D. (H), Valley Integrative Physicians
The Valley Integrative Physicians and the Arizona Homeopathic & Integrative Medical Association focus on alternative treatments for Valley Fever patients throughout the Valley.

Following the keynote speakers, guests are free to mingle with healthcare professionals.

This will be an informal opportunity for Arizonans who have been affected by Valley Fever or are passionate about the disease and treatment options, to meet others involved in raising awareness.  

###

According to the Center for Disease Control, more than 70% of the reported cases every year occur in Arizona. An estimated 150,000 cases every year go unreported or misdiagnosed.

Congressman David Schweikert and Rep. Kevin McCarthy, (R-California) introduced the Congressional Valley Fever Task Force in July, 2013. The task force seeks to raise awareness and initiate dialogue with the medical community, with a goal of taking legislative action to help address Valley Fever issues.

Contact Maggie Zehring: margaret.zehring@mail.house.gov
(202)680-9613