Research efforts of the Cancer Coalition of South Georgia are tailored to the unique opportunities and needs of our region. Our research program is partnered with major universities and benefits from the expertise of renowned faculty members. From time to time, we participate in special research projects that are of particular interest to our organization or to our research partners.
The Coalition is facilitating discussions with both Emory Winship Cancer Institute (WCI) and the Georgia Health Sciences University to encourage new research partnerships. In 2008, our leadership considered renewing and amending the original 2003 Memorandum of Agreement between our Coalition and Emory WCI, to include the four cancer centers in south Georgia. Discussions are continuing. Also in late 2008, the first planning meeting was held with key physicians and administrators from the four regional cancer centers, MCG Cancer Center and the Cancer Coalition of South Georgia. The day long meeting resulted in increased understanding of current capacity and priorities, common interests, and areas for mutually beneficial research collaborations. A follow-up meeting is being planned.
Another avenue for special research projects is through the Atlanta Clinical and Translational Science Institute (CTSI). With an award from the National Institutes of Health, the Atlanta CTSI was formed by Emory University, Morehouse School of Medicine and Georgia Tech. In partnership with private and public health care organizations, the Institute will provide infrastructure to support clinical and translational research in rural areas. Through our Coalition's participation in the Institute's Community Engagement and Research Program, we anticipate future opportunities for collaborative research projects.
Our Cancer Coalition also participates as a community partner with the REACH-US project. REACH-US is the acronym for "Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health - across the US". In the Southeast region of the country, the initiative is a collaborative effort among Morehouse School of Medicine Prevention Research Center, Emory University Prevention Research Center, Comprehensive Cancer Control Collaborative of North Carolina, Hollings Cancer Center at Medical University of South Carolina and Fulton County Department of Health and Wellness.
