Regions Bank Commits $2.5 Million to UMMC Cancer Center and Research Institute

Recently, Regions Bank announced a $2.5 million commitment to support the construction of the University of Mississippi Medical Center's next state-of-the-art Cancer Center and Research Institute. The contribution from Regions is the largest charitable gift in the bank's nearly 200-year history.

Regions' support is aimed at addressing urgent health care and community needs by contributing to the innovative work of Mississippi's premier medical center. Data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show Mississippi has one of the highest death rates from cancer in the U.S., and cancer itself is the second-leading cause of death in the state.

To help address this critical challenge, Regions' investment will support UMMC's vision for a new Cancer Center and Research Institute designed to: expand access to advanced cancer care; develop and enhance innovative treatments aimed at improving outcomes and quality of life; and advance research opportunities and clinical trials for patients across Mississippi.

In announcing the contribution today, Regions leaders described how the bank's community engagement strategy is focused on programs that create long-term benefits and strengthen the communities the bank serves. Few investments are more important than those that directly improve lives.

"UMMC's vision 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. "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."

Abrahams noted how strong health care facilities pay multiple dividends to their communities. Not only do they provide close access to quality care, they also support stronger economic development, including workforce development opportunities and more.

John Howie, Market President for Regions Bank in Metro Jackson, said UMMC is a common bond shared by people throughout the state. Nearly everyone has been treated there at some point or knows someone who has. Howie said Regions Bank is proud to stand with UMMC in supporting its next-level vision for the hospital's new Cancer Center.

"This project represents an investment in Mississippi's future through research, innovation, workforce development and economic growth," said Howie. "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 also will be recognized through a Regions naming opportunity within the new Cancer Center and Research Institute. A groundbreaking for the new center is expected within the next month.

Through It's About Time: The Campaign for the UMMC Cancer Center and Research Institute (CCRI), UMMC is working to build a state-of-the-art facility that will expand access to innovative cancer care, groundbreaking research, clinical trials and patient support services for patients across Mississippi.

"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 at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. "Regions' generosity enables access to advanced treatment here in Mississippi, innovative research and, ultimately, lives saved."

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.