AR SCR7

Encourages the Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences to pursue National Cancer Institute (NCI)-Designated Cancer Center status

Notes that Arkansas has 17,980 annual cancer diagnoses with increasing death rates (up 9% over 28 years), ranking among the highest in the nation, while currently lacking an NCI-designated center despite neighboring states having them

Identifies that NCI-Designated Cancer Centers provide expanded access to clinical trials, experimental treatments, and research funding; the institute currently has approximately $10 million in NCI-funded research but needs $20 million to qualify for designation

Acknowledges the institute is recruiting nationally recognized cancer researchers under Dr. Michael Birrer and is committed to raising at least $30 million in private funds, with state funding needed between $10-20 million annually to establish and maintain the center

Estimates that achieving NCI designation will generate $70 million annually in economic impact and create 1,584 new jobs over five years, with the funding mechanism established under Acts 2019, No. 580 sunsetting on June 30, 2027 if designation is not achieved