Our focus is on south Georgia - we are here to help the people who live in our part of the state. However, by collaborating with organizations in other parts of Georgia, we can bring even more benefit to our area.
The Cancer Coalition of South Georgia has been instrumental to the success of several key statewide initiatives, including planning and writing essential sections of the 2008-2012 Georgia State Cancer Plan and being an active member of the Council of Regional Cancer Coalitions of Georgia.
Other statewide activities include the following:
Georgia Center for Oncology Research and Education (Georgia CORE) - The Cancer Coalition partners with Georgia CORE to increase the availability and accrual rates of clinical trials in our region. Local physicians and other professionals also are able to participate in continuing education, including investigator trainings, sponsored by Georgia CORE and promoted by our Cancer Coalition.
Biorepository Alliance of Georgia-Oncology (BRAG-Onc) (A statewide biorepository/tissue bank funded by the Georgia Cancer Coalition) - Our Cancer Coalition collaborates a successful southwest Georgia regional collection site of the statewide biorepository.
Georgia Cancer Study (cohort study of cancer risks) - Southwest Georgia was selected as the first rural pilot site for this pioneering statewide study. We provided leadership and project assistance for the highly successful pilot.
Additional opportunities for our region result from our Coalition's established relationships with numerous Georgia Cancer Coalition Distinguished Cancer Clinicians and Scientists and with other researchers at universities throughout Georgia. Serving as the liaison organization, we have brought the expertise of these renowned university faculty to conduct research in our region. Selected examples include:
Finally, through our partnership with Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital, we were instrumental in bringing the first GCC Distinguished Cancer Clinician/Scientist to our area---Troy Kimsey, MD. We are now working closely with Dr. Kimsey, the only surgical oncologist in Southwest Georgia, to elevate the level of cancer care and of clinical research throughout our local communities.
