JACKSON, Miss. – Sept. 30, 2026 – Regions Bank on Wednesday 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
Why Regions Bank is Investing in Mississippi
In announcing the contribution Wednesday, 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.
UMMC’s vision for the Cancer Center and Research Institute is one that will benefit Mississippi families for generations. Leroy Abrahams, head of Community and Market Engagement for Regions Bank
Largest Gift in Regions Bank’s History
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 hospitals new Cancer Center.
“This project represents an investment in Mississippi’s future through research, innovation, workforce development and economic growth,” Howie said. “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.
This project represents an investment in Mississippi’s future through research, innovation, workforce development and economic growth. John Howie, Market President for Regions Bank in Metro Jackson
About the Cancer Center and Research Institute
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’ generosity enables access to advanced treatment here in Mississippi, innovative research and, ultimately, lives saved. Dr. LouAnn Woodward, vice chancellor for health affairs at the University of Mississippi Medical Center
“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.
“Expanding and modernizing our cancer research infrastructure is a central priority for UMMC, and this support from Regions accelerates the progress needed to reach the milestone of NCI designation.”
Dr. Rod Rocconi, Ergon Chair for Cancer Research and CCRI director, said Regions’ generosity reflects that of Mississippians.
“For years, Mississippians have led the nation in giving,” he said. “Regions’ support embodies the generosity and shared purpose seen across Mississippi. Regions’ gift will help us bring innovative cancer care and research and new treatment options closer to home for the patients who need them most.”
About Regions Financial Corporation
Regions Financial Corporation (NYSE:RF), with $161 billion in assets, is a member of the S&P 500 Index and is one of the nation’s largest full-service providers of consumer and commercial banking, wealth management, and mortgage products and services. Regions serves customers across the South, Midwest and Texas, and through its subsidiary, Regions Bank, operates more than 1,200 banking offices and more than 1,750 ATMs. Regions Bank is an Equal Housing Lender and Member FDIC. Additional information about Regions and its full line of products and services can be found at www.regions.com.
About the University of Mississippi Medical Center
As the state’s only academic medical center, UMMC seeks to improve the health of Mississippi’s population and eliminate health disparities through education, research and patient care. UMMC encompasses six health science schools of medicine, nursing, health related professions, dentistry, graduate studies and population health. The Medical Center includes the state’s only Level I trauma center, only children’s hospital, only organ and bone marrow transplant program and the only Telehealth Center of Excellence, one of two in the nation. For more information, visit www.umc.edu.