Regions announces $2.5M gift for UMMC Cancer Center and Research Institute campaign
A transformational $2.5 million gift from Regions Bank to It’s About Time: The Campaign for the UMMC Cancer Center and Research Institute is helping build the future of cancer care in Mississippi.
The donation, announced Wednesday during a news conference at the Translational Research Center, is helping fund construction of a new home for cancer care and research at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. The center will offer patients a comfortable and convenient place for multidisciplinary cancer care, including clinical trials. The center’s labs will be a place of discovery for the growing number of cancer researchers at the Medical Center.
The $2.5 million commitment is the largest charitable gift ever made by Regions Bank.
“Regions’ visionary gift to the CCRI campaign reflects a deep commitment to building a healthier Mississippi, a commitment that aligns directly with the Medical Center’s mission,” said Dr. LouAnn Woodward, vice chancellor for health affairs. “Regions’ generosity enables access to advanced treatment here in Mississippi, innovative research and, ultimately, lives saved."
The vision UMMC has created for the Cancer Center and Research Institute is one that will benefit Mississippi families for generations, said Leroy Abrahams, head of community and market engagement for Regions Bank.
“UMMC’s vision for the Cancer Center and Research Institute is one that will benefit Mississippi families for generations,” he said. “We are proud to support this initiative that is bringing together health care, research, education and innovation in ways that will make a truly lasting, and deeply personal, difference for people and families throughout the state.”
John Howie, market president for Regions Bank in Metro Jackson, said UMMC is a common bond shared by people throughout the state.
“This project represents an investment in Mississippi’s future through research, innovation, workforce development and economic growth,” he said. “But most importantly, it represents an investment in people. The impact of this effort will be measured in lives touched, families supported and outcomes improved for patients in our community and beyond.”
The commitment will also be recognized through a Regions naming opportunity within the new Cancer Center and Research Institute.
The center’s construction comes as UMMC is working toward National Cancer Institute designation. The Medical Center includes fostering NCI-level cancer research in its five-year strategic plan, said Dr. Alan Jones, associate vice chancellor for health affairs.
“Expanding and modernizing our cancer research infrastructure is a central priority for UMMC, and this support from Regions accelerates the progress needed to reach the milestone of NCI designation.”
Dr. Rod Rocconi, Ergon Chair for Cancer Research and CCRI director, said Regions’ generosity reflects that of Mississippians.
“For years, Mississippians have led the nation in giving,” he said. “Regions’ support embodies the generosity and shared purpose seen across Mississippi. Regions’ gift will help us bring innovative cancer care and research and new treatment options closer to home for the patients who need them most.”