The new University of Texas Health Rio Grande Valley Cancer and Surgery Center will receive $145 million from the University of Texas System Board of Regents, according to a Sept. 12 news release.
Funding will be provided by the Permanent University Fund and Tuition Revenue Board and includes a $1 million donation from the city of McAllen, according to the release.
The University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley President Guy Bailey, PhD, said that the critical funding will address an underserved healthcare need in the region while providing unprecedented education and research opportunities.
"I'd like to thank the UT System Board of Regents for believing in our goal of serving as a major catalyst for healthcare and well-being in the Valley. This center truly will be a gamechanger for our region," Dr. Bailey said.
The new cancer and surgery center will occupy 144,231 square feet and includes radiation and medical oncology clinics, diagnostic imaging, ambulatory surgery and orthopedics centers, and rehabilitation therapy.
Michael Hocker, MD, dean of the University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine, said this will serve the student and patient care needs in the region by providing first-class education, research and clinical services.
"We are looking forward to providing opportunities to expand cancer research and healthcare in the Valley, as our area has a higher rate of many cancers, with the majority in advanced stages at initial detection," Dr. Hocker said.