1. United States
2. Mich.
3. Letter

<message> The wastewater monitoring program at Grand Valley State University has proven invaluable for tracking COVID-19 and other viral illnesses in the community. Terminating federal funding would deprive health officials and the public of crucial data for monitoring and responding to disease outbreaks. The lab's work provides students hands-on training while contributing to pathogen surveillance efforts. Their discovery of the JN.1 COVID variant highlighted the lab's vital role. Additionally, the partnership between GVSU and the Kent County Health Department leverages limited public resources, allowing comprehensive community monitoring. Discontinuing this program would represent a major public health blind spot and disrupt experiential learning opportunities. To safeguard community wellbeing, restore funding for Grand Valley's Molecular Monitoring for Health and Environment Lab.</message>