Little Rock-based University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences reached its $30 million fundraising goal and is closer to becoming a national cancer institute.
In 2019, the state passed a bill to create a trust fund for UAMS for it to achieve national cancer institute designation. The state contributed $170 million and UAMS raised the remaining $30 million through 8,700 philanthropic gifts.
UAMS aims to finalize and submit its application for designation within the next year. It is focusing on increasing clinical trials — intending to go from 150 to 250 by 2025 — and community outreach, both key factors in designation consideration.