In 2001, the Georgia Cancer Coalition (GCC) facilitated the creation of a five-year strategic plan to guide statewide cancer control efforts. A number of the original objectives have been achieved; however, much more remains to be done in order to provide the best cancer prevention and care to Georgia's residents. To help determine the most effective approach, in 2004 the GCC commissioned the Institute of Medicine (IOM) to conduct a quality of care study. As a result of this study, the IOM recommended 52 measures to serve as guideposts for Georgia's cancer control activities.
In 2006, coordinated by the GCC and the Georgia Department of Human Resources, over 100 individuals began the process of revising the state's cancer plan. The participants represented a diverse group of stakeholders throughout Georgia and focused their efforts on specific and measurable objectives based on the IOM recommendations. James Hotz, MD, medical director for the Cancer Coalition of South Georgia, served as vice-chairman of the Steering Committee for revision of Georgia's Comprehensive Cancer Control Plan. Diane Fletcher, Coalition CEO, and Denise Ballard, Vice-President, Cancer Prevention and Control, were key contributors to the writing of the plan, as were numerous other Cancer Coalition of South Georgia board members and partners. Participants from our region wrote content regarding cancer prevention and education, early detection and screening, diagnosis and staging, treatment and palliation, and data and metrics.
The revised plan, completed in late 2007, will guide comprehensive cancer control activities for the next five years (2008-2012). Our Cancer Coalition is committed to implementing the state cancer plan; our organization's strategic plan and objectives are closely aligned with the goals of the state cancer plan. Dr.Hotz continues to represent our Cancer Coalition in a leadership role on the Plan's Steering Committee and our organization's strategic plan is closely aligned with the goals of the state cancer plan.
