Statewide health: UMMC breaks ground on new cancer center

The University of Mississippi Medical Center broke ground Thursday, Oct. 22, on a new home for its Cancer Center and Research Institute. The ceremony marks a construction milestone for a Mississippi project intended to bring cancer care and research into one building.

UMMC says the planned multi-story facility will combine patient care, clinical trials, research laboratories, supportive services and specialized training. Its announcement describes space for the center’s clinicians, scientists and staff as the program grows.

The medical center reports that construction is funded in part through It’s About Time, its philanthropic campaign for the cancer center. That campaign has raised more than 80% of a $125 million goal, according to the Oct. 22 release. The fundraising target is the campaign’s goal, rather than a stated total building cost.

UMMC also identifies the project as part of its long-term effort to earn National Cancer Institute designation. The full institutional report is linked below, along with our earlier coverage of a campaign commitment.

Photo: Pontotoc News original editorial graphic

Sources: UMMC: full Oct. 22 cancer-center groundbreaking report; Earlier project coverage: Regions Bank’s cancer-center campaign commitment