The University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) held a ribbon-cutting ceremony Tuesday for the Alyce G. Clarke Center for Medically Fragile Children, a new long-term care facility designed to serve children with complex medical needs.
Located just over two miles from UMMC’s main campus in Jackson, the $15.9 million center offers 20 private beds across two wings connected by a shared “living room” to create a more home-like environment. The facility is equipped to care for children who rely on ventilators, feeding tubes, and other specialized medical support.
“It’s been a journey to get to this place,” UMMC Vice Chancellor for Health Affairs Dr. LouAnn Woodward said. “The first meeting I attended about this was 15 years ago. Over time, the concept changed, and I think we have landed in just the right place. The journey has been worth it.”
The center is named after former state Rep. Alyce G. Clarke, the first African American woman elected to the Mississippi Legislature, in recognition of her advocacy for children’s health and access to specialized care.
Construction began in 2024 after pandemic-related delays and supply chain challenges. The Mississippi Legislature allocated $12.5 million in bond funding in 2019 and another $2 million in 2020 to bring the project to completion.
Dr. Alan Jones, Associate Vice Chancellor for Clinical Affairs, said the facility bridges hospital care and home life.
“It took a whole team of people from the entire state of Mississippi to come together to get this beautiful building built,” Jones said, noting the many governmental and medical leaders as well as philanthropists helped throughout the center’s planning, construction, and opening. “This building and the people who staff it will deliver life-changing care.”
UMMC officials said the Clarke Center represents a major step toward improving long-term outcomes for Mississippi’s medically fragile children while reducing strain on acute-care hospitals. It’s located at 3853 Eastwood Drive in Jackson.
