JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – The University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony on June 2 to celebrate the establishment of the Mississippi Burn Center’s new dedicated unit, which opened in May. This comes after the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) designated UMMC as a state burn center in 2023.

“We are the place that takes care of these patients with these very complex issues, whether they are young, old, pediatric or adult,” said Dr. LouAnn Woodward, vice chancellor for health affairs. “To be able to open this unit today and now to extend and to grow our burn care for the patients in Mississippi that need it, that’s what we’re all about.”

The unit includes a team of experts in emergency medicine, trauma and plastic surgery, critical care, laboratory services, rehabilitation and mental health.

“You have to understand how much coordination and collaboration it takes to bring something like this together,” said Dr. Juvonda Hodge, the Center’s director. “It was truly a team effort. I could not have asked for a better team to put this center together. It’s been a long time coming, and it feels like I’m birthing a baby, but it’s what we are here for—Mississippi and beyond.”

The unit features a hydrotherapy suite designed for wound debridement, equipped with a shower table, temperature controls and a television to help ease patient discomfort during procedures. These treatments support healing and reduce the need for surgery. When operations are necessary, patients benefit from having OR suites located in the same tower.