Jonesboro, AR – (JonesboroRightNow.com) – April 11, 2024 – The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) announced today that the Judd Hill Foundation has pledged $1 million to establish the Judd Hill Foundation Fund for Excellence in support of the UAMS Northeast Regional Campus and cancer patients in the region.
“I would like to thank the Judd Hill Foundation for its continued support of UAMS, helping us to advance the most critical initiatives of the institution,” said Dr. Cam Patterson, UAMS chancellor and CEO of UAMS Health. “This is going to have a tremendous impact on Northeast Arkansas,” he said
Jonesboro Mayor Harold Copenhaver said the gift will improve the lives of many. “This will have a huge impact for the people of Jonesboro,” he said.
Among the dignitaries in attendance was Craighead County Judge Marvin Day.
The Judd Hill Foundation Fund for Excellence will invest in the Northeast Regional Campus’ highest priorities including support for education, research, clinical care and campus improvements. The funds will also be used by UAMS to provide additional support for cancer patients in the Delta, helping connect them with resources and care providers in their region. The UAMS Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute is on the path to achieving National Cancer Institute Designation and increasing outreach to patients in rural areas is a major goal in that process.
Scott Dickson, program director at UAMS in Jonesboro, said the donation will make possible “exceptional care for cancer patients.” Dickson said the residency program at UAMS for family physicians draws a large number of doctors to the area to be trained.
“The National Cancer Institute expects its designated cancer centers to fully engage their catchment area, which for us is the state of Arkansas,” said Dr. Michael Birrer, director of the UAMS Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute. “This includes geographically challenging areas such as rural settings along the Mississippi Delta. We are very excited about this generous donation and what it can do for cancer care in this area.”
The Judd Hill Foundation has supported the Northeast Regional Campus for over 25 years. The foundation was established in 1991 through the estate of Esther Hill Chapin, the daughter of Judd Hill. Chapin was passionate about education and health care, especially in benefit of Northeast Arkansas. Michael L. Gibson has served as its trustee since its inception.
“To have a thriving community, we need a healthy community, and I believe UAMS plays a critical role in supporting the growth of Northeast Arkansas,” Gibson said. “The Northeast Regional Campus is incredibly important for Jonesboro and the surrounding area, and the Judd Hill Foundation is extremely proud to support UAMS’ mission.”
The Northeast Regional Campus, established in 1979, is one of eight campuses that make up UAMS Regional Campuses, a statewide network that was founded in 1973 to encourage UAMS medical school graduates to remain in Arkansas and help address the state’s shortage of primary care physicians. The Regional Campuses also serve as an educational outreach network for UAMS, and the principal means to decentralize medical and other health professions education throughout the state. The Northeast Regional Campus serves the 10-county region of Clay, Craighead, Cross, Greene, Jackson, Lawrence, Mississippi, Poinsett, Randolph and Woodruff counties.