Legislation directing $100 million to help the University of Mississippi Medical Center construct a state-of-the-art cancer research facility has been greenlit by Gov. Tate Reeves.
The Republican governor signed the bill Monday, drastically aiding the state’s only academic medical center in its ongoing effort to construct a five-story, 250,000-plus square foot Cancer Center and Research Institute building in Jackson.
“We are incredibly grateful for the strong support of our state elected officials as we move forward in building a world-class cancer center here in Mississippi,” a social media post from UMMC reads. “State lawmakers have appropriated $100 million to this effort, and yesterday it was signed into law by Gov. Tate Reeves.”
UMMC officials plan to use the center, which will be constructed adjacent to its main campus, to bring advanced, collaborative cancer care to patients with greater convenience and comfort. It will also be used to help UMMC address cancer care disparities and achieve National Cancer Institute designation. This is anticipated to enhance the center’s cancer research capabilities, lead to more scientific breakthroughs, and expand treatment options for patients.
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, which was 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.
“In addition to our state leaders, federal elected officials, and the many thoughtful donors to the campaign, join us in our feeling that ‘It’s About Time’ that Mississippi builds an NCI-Designated Cancer Center that allows patients to be able to get life-saving care and access to transformational clinical trials right here in our state,” the post further read. “The care and research that will be done in the new facility will have an impact on patient outcomes for generations.”
Along with the recently enacted state funding, UMMC has raised a large sum of cash to support the cancer research center through private donations. After more than a year of fundraising, approximately 80% of the hospital’s $125 million capital campaign has been reached, with $100 million coming from the private sector. Major 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).
