Henry Ford Health and Michigan State University broke ground Monday on their new research center in Detroit’s New Center neighborhood.  

The center will house teams focused on cancer research, neuroscience, immunology and hypertension, and public health issues. Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan says with this new research center, new innovative medical care will be available to everyone.  

“By emphasizing the translational research, Henry Ford and Michigan State are going to make sure that the people in Detroit and in southeast Michigan get access to the latest breakthroughs as fast as they come available,” Duggan said. “That’s real equity in health care.”

Work on the $335 million research facility — located on Third Street just across from the Henry Ford Detroit Pistons Performance Center — officially began in late May. The new research center will include 335,000 square feet and seven stories of state-of-the-art laboratory space, according to Henry Ford Health.

It will also house the Nick Gilbert Neurofibromatosis Research Institute, named in honor of Dan and Jennifer Gilbert’s son who lost his battle against the disease last year

“Nick fought this terrible disease his entire life,” said Dan Gilbert in a statement. “His optimistic spirit and resilience never wavered as he became an example of the kind of fight we expect the research institution named after him to display as it battles to find a cure for NF, from right here in downtown Detroit.”

Reporting by WDET’s Bre’Anna Tinsley.

Other headlines for Tuesday, June 18, 2024:

• Michigan’s first heat wave of the summer can be dangerous for outdoor workers, and the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration is urging employers to educate themselves about safety protocols to avoid heat-related illness.
• Michigan senators introduced a set of bills this month to expand renters’ rights.
• The nonprofit Muslim Family Services is hosting a free health fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursday, June 27, to bring people free health screenings for blood pressure, dental and vision screening.
• The Islamic Center of Detroit’s MY Mental Wellness is hosting an Eid Al-Adha Extravaganza for families with special needs from 4 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, June 27, featuring bounce houses, carnival and sensory games.

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