The largest bank headquartered in Mississippi has made a significant donation to fund cancer research in the state.
Trustmark announced Wednesday a $2 million commitment to support the University of Mississippi Medical Center’s Cancer Center and Research Institute. The funding will go toward an ongoing effort to construct a five-story, 250,000-square-foot facility in Jackson aimed at addressing cancer care disparities and achieving National Cancer Institute designation.
“At Trustmark, we believe meaningful impact happens when organizations come together around a shared purpose,” Trustmark CEO Duane Dewey said. “We are proud to support the UMMC Cancer Center and Research Institute and its mission to create a healthier future for Mississippi families, including our own associates and others across our service area. Supporting organizations that improve quality of life and strengthen the places we proudly serve remains central to who we are as a company.”
The UMMC Cancer Center and Research Institute will play an essential role in advancing healthcare innovation and improving outcomes through patient care, clinical research, education and community partnerships, the state’s only academic medical center says.
Mississippi ranks in the cellar in cancer mortality rates. According to the state health department, the overall age-adjusted all-cancer mortality rate in Mississippi from 2018-2022 was 179.8 per 100,000 – 23% higher than the national average. Around 16,000 new cancer cases are reported each year in Mississippi, though that figure is expected to rise in 2026, and roughly 6,500 people die from carcinogenic ailments.
“Cancer takes too many Mississippi lives, and our state consistently ranks among the nation’s worst for cancer mortality,” said Dr. Rod Rocconi, who chairs cancer research at UMMC. “Trustmark’s remarkable gift gives us the tools to confront that reality with greater strength. Their support allows us to expand access to advanced care, grow our research programs and bring new treatment options to patients who need them most.”
Trustmark joined a growing list of generous supporters looking to bring the cancer research center to fruition. Other notable donations have been made by Sandy and John Black ($25 million), Gertrude C. Ford Foundation ($10 million), Bower Foundation ($10 million), and C Spire ($5 million). The Mississippi legislature also appropriated $100 million for the center during this year’s session.
