Valley Fever Center for Excellence

With an unwavering commitment to eradicating Valley fever, we will create a future where prevention is prioritized, treatment is quick and effective, and ultimately, lives are saved.

Wouldn’t it be WONDERful?

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if Valley fever no longer posed a threat to people and their pets? If the microscopic spores that cause the disease could be detected in the environment, alerting people of localized risk? If all physicians were aware of the disease and knew who to test, when, and how to administer the most effective treatments?

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if the University of Arizona were home to the researchers who discovered and developed the world’s first vaccine against fungal infection?

It’s all possible

At the University of Arizona, we’re used to dreaming big, and we have a track record of discovery, innovation and achieving audacious goals.

We dream big, then we deliver.

We’re asking you not only to dream with us, but to help make our vision a reality. We are building a world full of wonder. But we can’t do it alone.

The Valley Fever Center for Excellence at the College of Medicine – Tucson for decades has been making headway against a disease that is now endemic in many western states and spreading to others. From development of novel antifungal drugs and a vaccine that prevents Valley fever infection to providing exceptional care to patients, we have been at the forefront of investigating and fighting this insidious disease. We envision the Center serving as the launchpad for a new generation of collaborative research aimed at preventing Valley fever and eradicating it in humans and their pets.

When our vision is achieved, the Center will serve as a beacon of excellence, where innovation is accelerated by collaboration in research, education and patient care.

Elements of Transformation

Cutting-Edge Research
Education and Knowledge Sharing
Excellence in Patient-Centered Care
Community Outreach and Prevention
Collaboration and Partnerships

To increase the chances of receiving proper care, people with symptoms of pneumonia should ask to be tested for Valley fever.

Pursuit of a Valley fever vaccine passes significant milestone

Aug. 6, 2024

A human Valley fever vaccine candidate will proceed toward Phase 1 clinical trials thanks to a major investment from the National Institutes of Health.

Leading Valley fever expert shares ‘state-of-the-art’ knowledge about fungal disease

Feb. 15, 2024

John Galgiani, MD, director of the UArizona College of Medicine – Tucson’s Valley Fever Center for Excellence, was recognized for his expertise by the New England Journal of Medicine.

Paving a path for Valley fever research, treatment, prevention

Oct. 2, 2023

For four decades, John Galgiani, MD, has pioneered translational research and clinical care for Valley fever, a disease more common in Arizona than anywhere else.

Read at UAHS

How You Can Help Fuel WONDER

We’re committed to investing in a future where Valley fever is prevented, cases are detected early and treated effectively, and serious illness and unnecessary deaths of people and pets are prevented. We have made tremendous strides, but bold and challenging steps remain.

We hope you will join us in this commitment.

For more information about making this vision a reality, please contact

Lisa Fahey

Director of Development

520-626-8755

powersla@arizona.edu