In 1996, the Arizona Board of Regents established the Valley Fever Center for Excellence at the University of Arizona, in order to address the problems caused by the fungus, Coccidioides, the cause of coccidioidomycosis (Valley fever). Two-thirds of all Valley fever infections in the United States occur in Arizona, mostly in the urban areas surrounding Phoenix and Tucson.
The mission of the VFCE is to mobilize resources for the eradication of Valley fever through:
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The development of public awareness and education about Valley fever
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The promotion of high quality care for patients with Valley fever
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The pursuit and encouragement of research into all aspects of Coccidioides sp. and the diseases that it causes
The center’s existence depends upon philanthropic, tax-deductable donations.