Bill > SCR5

This concurrent resolution encourages the continued pursuit of National Cancer Institute (NCI) designation for the Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences by highlighting the critical need for improved cancer research and treatment in Arkansas. The resolution notes that in 2025, an estimated 19,700 Arkansans will be diagnosed with cancer, with particularly high rates of lung, breast, prostate, and colorectal cancers, and that Arkansas has experienced a 9% increase in cancer-related deaths compared to the nationwide 5% decrease. Currently, Arkansas is one of three states without an NCI-Designated Cancer Center, which means cancer patients must leave the state for advanced treatment. The resolution emphasizes that achieving this designation would provide expanded access to clinical trials, cutting-edge treatments, research grant opportunities, and potentially create economic benefits, including an estimated 1,584 new jobs and $70 million in annual economic impact. Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders has already committed $100 million toward this effort, and the state encourages collaboration between various state departments to support the institute's goal of filing its NCI designation application in fall 2025.

https://arkleg.state.ar.us/Bills/Detail?id=scr5&ddBienniumSession=2025%2F2025R